Tuition-free community college

March 12, 2018

Dear Friend,

There's no question that in order to continue to grow our economy, we must have a well-educated and well-trained workforce. Over the years, I've made a point to hear directly from New Mexico students about the importance of an affordable and accessible community college education in reaching their goals. From the wind technician program at Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari to the computer science courses at Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, our community colleges are teaching New Mexicans the skills they need to achieve successful careers.

Our state has worked hard to make our college system affordable to all New Mexicans by keeping tuition costs lower than the national average. But we can and should devote more resources to allow our students to further pursue their education. That's why I'm proud to cosponsor the America's College Promise Act, which would provide two years of tuition-free access to community or technical college programs and give all New Mexicans a fair shot at building a brighter economic future.

The America's College Promise Act would help New Mexico's estimated 74,000 community college students pay for their education without worrying about the burden of looming student debt. Under our legislation, a full-time community college student in New Mexico could save an average of $1,760 in tuition each year. If all states participated, an estimated 9 million students could benefit nationally.

Our bill not only focuses on making community colleges more affordable, but also on preparing students for their next steps. It will ensure that community colleges provide credits that are transferrable to four-year institutions, or occupational training in certain industries and trades. That way, students enrolling in school can be certain that their education is a direct pathway to success.

Provide two years of tuition-free access to community or technical college programs is a direct investment in our communities' future economic development. We can create a wave of new workers prepared to compete and succeed in the 21st century economy. I will continue to work to ensure higher education is affordable and within reach for every student in New Mexico.

Sincerely,

MARTIN HEINRICH