The Massachusetts State Senate is proposing the expansion of a free community college education to all state residents who do not currently possess a college degree as part of its FY 2025 budget. If approved, how will this impact Bristol Community College?
The plan is being dubbed Mass Educate and will cost nearly $120 million. Funds for the initiative will be allocated from the “Millionaires Tax” approved by voters in 2022 which taxes those making one million dollars or more at a higher rate than other taxpayers.
Bristol President Dr. Laura Douglas says if approved, the program will be a boost to the educational achievement level within the region.
A free community college education is already available to adults aged 25 and older through the passage last year of the MassReconnect program. President Douglas says over 700 students this spring took advantage of the opportunity…with great success.
President Douglas says that more students will become eligible for free education because state dollars for both MassReconnect and Mass Educate will be available after students receive federal financial aid.
The adoption of Mass Educate is still a ways off. Even if the Senate passes the program in its budget proposal, the plan needs to be adopted by the House and then signed by Governor Maura Healey. President Douglas is confident that the initiative will pass.
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