The Great Recession has shown how important it is for Michigan to compete with other states. In order to attract high paying jobs to Michigan, we need to ensure that young people have the opportunity to develop skills that will help them qualify for important positions.

To do this, we need to offer at least one year of college education to every resident of Michigan. Even though taxpayers already contribute a significant amount of money to state-run colleges, students are expected to pay tuition expenses on top of the funds that they have already paid (and will continue to pay as long as they live in Michigan).

This will cost quite a bit of money, but it will ultimately make Michigan a more attractive state for companies that can pay high salaries to highly qualified employees.

Gov. Rick Snyder,

The Great Recession has proven that Michigan needs to continue competing with other states to attract high paying jobs. Education is the most important factor in that competition. This is why our state should offer at least one free year of college education to every resident.

Providing one year of college education will make it possible for Michigan’s students to develop skills that will attract more employers to our state. Yes, this is an expensive endeavor. But it is one that will eventually pay for itself. As the average annual salary of Michigan residents rises, so will the amount of taxes collected from taxpayers.

Offering one free year of classes from a state-operated school is not only the smart thing to do, it is the right thing to do. Currently, many Michigan residents contribute tax dollars to state schools throughout their lives without ever reaping the advantages of higher education. If residents are expected to support state schools, then they should have access to them.

Sincerely,

Free Education for Michigan