Governor Says High School Graduates Will Get Free College Education
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JACKSON, Tenn. — Governor Bill Haslam promised a free education to all Tennessee high school graduates, Monday night. It is a proposal he calls “Tennessee Promise,” which could be a first of its kind in the country. “Tennessee Promise” offers free tuition for the first two years of community college or any applied technology school in the state. The governor said it will cost taxpayers nothing. “In Tennessee, education is a top priority, and this budget reflects that,” Governor Haslam said. In his fourth State of the State address, Governor Bill Haslam laid out his plan to educate the volunteer state, without spending a dime of taxpayer money. “An ongoing commitment to every student — from every kindergartner to every high school senior. We will promise that he or she can attend two years of community college or a college of applied technology for free,” he said. The promise gives some West Tennesseans hope for their future. “It’s a great idea. It’s always a good thing to give children extra opportunity to further their education,” Gina Borron said, a Madison County resident. “They have no excuse to say they can’t do it. I mean, that’s like a theory of showing them they can do it because all things are possible,” Megial Lancaster said, a Madison County resident. “So, I know you are wondering. How do we pay for this?” Governor Haslam said as listeners laughed. The governor said the money would come from reserve funds from the Tennessee Lottery. This plan, he said, would still leave $110 million in reserves. “Net cost to the state, zero. Net impact on our future, priceless,” the governor said. Many West Tennesseans call this deal a “win-win,” and can only mean a positive future for our entire area. “I think it’ll make it a better place. The crime rate will go down, more kids in school instead of in the streets,” Megial Lancaster said. The complete text of the governor‘s speech and an archived video of his speech is available at www.tn.gov/stateofthestate.
