Lack of access to debt-free college limits residents’ individual opportunities and hurts the civic and economic life of the Commonwealth, which – more than many other states – depends on a well-educated population. Our plan would require families that can afford it to make a reasonable contribution and for students to contribute the amount the can earn working about 12 hours a week, but would then provide aid rather than loans to pay for basic living expenses as well as tuition and fees.

To ensure student success we must provide fair compensation, and conditions that allow faculty and staff to meet the needs of all of their students, particularly those who face the most significant challenges.

Our colleges and universities have piloted programs proven to help our students succeed—expanding funding to provide those supports to all students who need them is a critical investment.

We must ensure campus buildings provide safe and healthy learning and working conditions; that all new construction and renovations on public higher education campuses incorporate the best practices for addressing climate change and environmental protection; and that building initiatives are funded with state resources rather than passing the cost on to students in the form of fees.