Assembly Passes Walker’s College Affordability Bills

Assembly Republicans have passed Wisconsin Governor Scott walker’s college affordability packages, despite Democrats’ warnings that the legislation does little to actually help students. 

The plan includes expanding the emergency grants program for students at technical colleges and two-year UW Colleges, allow full deduction of student loan interest on state income taxes, creating internship coordinators and requiring colleges to update students annually on how much debt they’ve accumulated. 

Democrats asked Republicans to pass a bill allowing students to refinance their debt, but the GOP members refused. 

“We thank the Assembly for their support of our College Affordability package, which builds off our historic four-year tuition freeze and will help ensure that everyone who wants a job can find a job in our state.  We look forward to continuing our work to keep college costs down and lower the burden of student loan debt,” said Walker. 

The package will now head to the state Senate.