West Virginia is the latest state to move closer to offering free community college to its residents. But as with "free college" measures that have gone into effect in other states, the education funding would come with a few caveats.
The West Virginia Senate voted, unanimously and across party lines, on Tuesday to move Senate Bill 284 on to the House of Delegates for consideration. If enacted, the bill would create a last-dollar benefit to cover the outstanding costs of tuition and mandatory fees not covered by Pell Grants or other grant aid.
"The motivation for the bill is to lift the education-attainment level for all West Virginians and give them a pathway to a brighter future," said Mitch Carmichael, president of the state Senate and sponsor of the legislation. "From a state perspective, it helps us say to the world that our work force is drug-free, trained, educated, and ready to go to work."
Read more at The Chronicle of Higher Education: https://www.chronicle.com/article/In-West-Virginia-Free/242410