Supports Sanders’ plan for education
How can we afford free public university tuition? How can we not afford it?
In 1995 we ranked first in graduation rates; now we are 19th among 28 industrialized nations. The percentage attaining their parents’ education level is declining. For those whose parents did not finish high school, only 5 percent complete college, compared to 20 percent in other countries.
The average cost of a four-year college tuition in the U.S.: $29,408; private colleges: $44,750.
College costs have risen more than 1,122 percent since 1978. In 2013, 69 percent of graduates owed an average of $28,400; student debt is more than $1.2 trillion., affecting young people’s lives. They are delaying marriage and families. Home ownership among those 35 and under is the lowest since 1982.
Meanwhile, students in Germany, Finland, France, Sweden and Norway, are receiving a free, quality education. In today’s competitive world, we need an educated workforce; yet between 2008-11, the U.S. cut education spending.
Bernie Sanders’ plan would be paid for by a tax on stock transactions, helping curb Wall Street speculation, and pays only for tuition – not for books, supplies, college fees, room and board, which can easily match tuition costs.
Investments in education pay off in higher salaries, tax revenues and social contributions. It’s time to create more opportunity for young people, not burden them with debt as they start their lives.
Carol Kemp
Bellingham
This story was originally published October 20, 2015 at 12:25 PM with the headline "Supports Sanders’ plan for education."