New plan should be popular with Sanders supporters
By: Jim Williams – Washington Bureau Chief of News Talk Florida
WASHINGTON – In a major announcement made early Monday the Clinton campaign unveiled a new plan to help Florida college students get a tuition free education. The plan was also rolled out nationally.
The report was released to News Talk Florida as well as other media outlets and in some ways it is similar to her one – time rival Se. Bernie Sanders plan.
Here is how it works according to the Hillary for Florida group, under the plan, called the New College Compact, 175,000 Florida students would pay no tuition for a four-year college degree. Clinton’s plan allows families with incomes up to $125,000 — more than 89 percent of Florida households – to pay no tuition at in-state public colleges and universities.
According to the campaign there would be a “college calculator” tool in English and Spanish that allows families and students to see how much they would save under Clinton’s plan. The calculator also helps student and families understand how they can benefit from special programs in Clinton’s college plan, including those available for student-parents, veterans or those serving in active military duty, those who have served or are contemplating serving in AmeriCorps, and those students contemplating attending a Historically Black College, Hispanic Serving Institution or other Minority Serving Institution.
The Clinton’s New College Compact is centered on two promises to American families: that costs won’t be a barrier to attending college, and that debt will not hold individuals back from achieving their goals upon completing their education.
In addition to the proposals outlined above, it includes specific provisions to benefit Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions and other minority-serving.
Clinton’s plan requires everyone to do their part. The federal government would make a major new investment, but Florida colleges and universities would be accountable for reining in costs and improving outcomes. Students would be asked to work ten hours a week to help defray the full cost of attendance.
The plan would all but eliminate college tuition for working families. Every student from a family making $85,000 a year or less will be able to go to a four-year public college or university tuition-free.
Also, to help students deal with all of the costs of attending college. Hillary Clinton will protect Pell Grant funding for low- and middle-income students from working families. She will also restore year-round Pell Grant funding so that more students can take summer classes and complete college. And she’ll expand support for student- parents, including a fifteen-fold increase in federal funding for on-campus child care.
As President, Clinton would take immediate executive action to offer a three-month moratorium on student loan payments to all federal loan borrowers.
Loan-borrowers would be able to refinance their student loans at current rates, just as borrowers can refinance a car or home loan.
Enroll in income-based repayment. No one’s student loan bills should be more than 10% of monthly income, and college debt should be forgiven after 20 years — or after 10 years, for borrowers working in the public interest.
Urge employers to do their part. Clinton will create a payroll deduction portal for employers and employees that will simplify the repayment process.
Get relief from debt for starting a business or social enterprise. For social entrepreneurs and those starting new enterprises in distressed communities, Hillary will provide up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness.
Reward public service. Clinton would ensure that AmeriCorps members who complete two years of national service and a year of public service will be able to have their loans forgiven. And teachers in high-need districts or shortage subjects will get enhanced loan forgiveness.