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MoveOn Commends President Obama for Free Community College Proposal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 9, 2015

In advance of his upcoming State of the Union address, President Obama is set to unveil a plan today at Pellissippi State Community College in Tennessee that would make two years of community college free for students. The proposal could benefit roughly 9 million students each year and save full-time community college students $3,800 in tuition per year on average.

Anna Galland, executive director of MoveOn.org Civic Action, praised President Obama today for the proposal:

“President Obama’s plan to make two years of community college available to any hardworking American can help create a more globally competitive workforce and address our nation’s student debt crisis by creating more affordable options.

This is a big deal. Not only is this exactly the kind of bold action we need to expand opportunity and build a fairer economy—it has bipartisan support. It’s crucial that members of Congress work together with the White House on this proposal so millions of Americans can afford to learn new skills, continue their education, or gain the knowledge they need to pursue a new career. Just as we appreciate Senator Elizabeth Warren’s leadership in addressing the massive student debt crisis facing existing borrowers, we are encouraged by and support the President’s focus on ensuring current and future students can achieve an affordable degree.”

The community college proposal builds on President Obama’s record of addressing higher education issues, including a recent expansion of programs that allow student loan borrowers to benefit from lower interest rates.

For more information:
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/01/barack-obama-free-community-college-114094.html