Tax relief needed
The governor has a plan for higher education in our state. It is called “The Pennsylvania Tuition Relief Act.” Here is some information on the plight of parents and students seeking a college or university degree. A college education is increasingly beyond the means for many families in our state. The recent downturn in the nation’s economy has added to the funding problems for parents and students. College savings’ accounts of parents have seen double digit losses in the past 12 months. Students that do make it to college face a huge debt that threatens their ability to earn a degree and find a job. Students enrolled in one of the 14 state-related universities are faced with a debt that averages about $22,000 when they graduate.
How does Gov. Rendell’s plan work? At present there are over 170,000 students enrolled at the 14 state-related universities and the 14 Pennsylvania community colleges. A family that has a student in a community college will receive hundreds of dollars in tuition relief, and some will save up to three/quarters of their total bill.
Students and families pay only what they can afford, as determined by the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculation aid form. Students that do not qualify for PHEAA grants, but who come from families that make less than $100,000 will receive a grant that is equal to 50 percent of the cost of tuition.
Who is eligible for this program? Students that plan to enroll in the 14 state-related universities and Pennsylvania community colleges whose families earn up to $100,000 a year. The plan includes students in degree or certificate programs. What expenses does the plan cover? For university students – tuition, fees, room, board and books. For community college students – tuition, fees and books.
Where will the state find the money to fund this program? There are thousands of video/poker machines in operation across the state in bars, social clubs, and the like. Licensing these machines by the state could generate a huge amount of money to fund the Tuition Relief Act. The total amount generated probably might not be enough to fund the program in totality, but it would be a start.
Please contact your state representatives in Harrisburg. Let them know how you feel about this important issue facing families across the state. I know I will.
Dick Majernik
Brownsville