President Barack Obama focused on the impact two tuition-free years of college would have on future college students and potential employers at his town hall speech in Indianapolis Friday.
Obama came to Indiana as part of his nation-wide tour he launched after his State of the Union speech earlier this year.
The setting of the president’s speech, Ivy Tech Community College, offered a place for the president to answer questions from current college students and community members about his plan to reduce the cost of higher education for millions of Americans. Something he believes should be available to every american.
“Here in America it shouldn't matter how much money your folks make, you should get that opportunity,” Obama said.
The plan would pay tuition for students at community colleges for two years so far as they:
- Study at a school that offers transfer credits to a four-year institution or offer occupational training
- Keep a GPA at or above 2.5
- Continually make progress toward a degree
The program would be paid for federally, which would cover three-quarters of the cost of tuition by closing tax loopholes for the top one percent, like trust funds, and tax breaks that allow companies to keep millions of dollars in other countries tax-free, Obama said.
“I don't know why the people who are most able to pay [taxes] shouldn't have to pay them,” Obama said. “Let’s give [the working class] the tax breaks and create some jobs right here in Indiana.”
The president responded to one student’s question saying four-year institutions, who would not be included in the plan, wouldn't be hurt by an emphasis on community colleges.
“What this potentially does, is for somebody who’s cash-strapped, 'let me go get two years in community college, now I have the training I need to go out into the workforce…. I can now transfer to a four-year institution with those credits,'” he said.
In an interview with the Daily News on Jan. 14, director of undergraduate admissions at Ball State Chris Munchel said it is too early to speculate on the effect the president’s plan would have on Ball State.
“There are just too many variables to offer anything of substance,” he said at the time.
Another audience member questioned whether free tuition would hurt the credibility of associates degrees.
The president laughed, saying he hears this often but doesn’t know why so many people are worried about it.
He pointed to the City College of New York, which didn’t charge students tuition during the 50’s 60’s and 70’s, which produced just as many Nobel laureates as Ivy League schools at the same time.
“Nobody thought that since it didn't cost you anything the education was devalued,” he said. “So that issue isn't how much money you are paying, it’s the type of education you are receiving.”
In closing Obama reiterated his focus on the middle class in his recent budget proposal saying the single most hopeful sign for the American people is that family’s wages are starting to go up.
He said his vision for the future includes a focus on providing quality child care and sick leave for working families and helping veterans get a step up on careers and training after they return from abroad.
Read More
MPD and BSU PD investigate shooting in 900 Block of W Carson St
By Staff Reports / 10 hours agoMuncie Police Department (MPD) and the Ball State University Police (BSU PD) are investigating a shooting in 900 Block of W Carson St, according to a message sent out early morning of Nov. 2.
Ball State field hockey clinches 5th seed in MAC Tournament with win against Bellarmine
By Kyle Smedley / 13 hours agoThe Cardinals beat the Knights 2-1 in the culmination of a roller coaster regular season.
Miller Phillips hits 100 MAC wins as Carindals dispatch of Eastern Michigan
By Daniel Kehn / 14 hours agoBall State sweeps Eastern Michigan as head coach Kelli Miller Phillips earned her 100th MAC win with the victory.
