Despite No Money, Michigan Lawmakers Plan Free College

March 13, 2012 by Sam Rolley



Democratic lawmakers in Michigan, it seems, have taken the message of youthful 99 percenters to heart, their answer to the “everything should be free” crowd: How does free college tuition sound?

With a plan that teeters on being nothing more than public school for grown-ups, the lawmakers hope to raise $1.8 billion to pay for every student in Michigan to attend a two- or four-year college. The proposal would make every Michigan high school student eligible for a grant of $9,500 per year for educational purposes upon graduation for up to four years, according to CBS Detroit.

The lawmakers say they can pay the hefty price by closing tax loopholes, taxing Internet sales and cutting back on State contracts by 6 percent. They claim that the plan will not cost taxpayers in the State a cent, but it is expected to slash tax credits from many businesses.

According to recent news reports, Michigan’s unemployment rate hovers around 9 percent.

As the legislators look at ways to provide free education for students in the State, some cities such as Detroit, where economic distress has become the norm, are cutting back on basic public services. Police in the city recently unveiled a plan to restructure 911 services and advised residents not to call unless they are certain they will otherwise lose their life.

Despite No Money, Michigan Lawmakers Plan Free College : Personal Liberty Alerts=