WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) has unveiled a legislative package designed to expand educational opportunities and improve infrastructure in underserved areas. The suite of bills aims to address crucial gaps in American education by making community colleges more accessible and valuable to students across the country.
A cornerstone of the proposal is the CREATE Graduates Act, which addresses a persistent issue in higher education: the inability of some community college students to receive degrees despite meeting the necessary requirements. This act seeks to enable students who transfer to four-year institutions, but leave before obtaining a degree, to receive an associate degree through “reverse transfer” programs. This not only acknowledges their accomplishments but also enhances their competitiveness in the job market.
Recognizing the pivotal role community colleges play in career readiness, the legislative package includes the Funding Community College Infrastructure Act. This initiative proposes a $10 billion grant program under the Department of Education to strengthen the infrastructure of existing community colleges and establish new ones in education deserts — areas lacking adequate higher education facilities. This targeted investment is crucial, given that over two-thirds of jobs in today’s economy demand postsecondary education, yet a significant portion of the population lacks access to such opportunities.
Additionally, the Community College Infrastructure Financing Act introduces a novel bond program offering interest-free financing. This mechanism allows community colleges, along with states and local governments, to issue “Qualified Community College Bonds” for expanding educational access and addressing infrastructural needs, with the federal government providing a tax credit to bondholders in lieu of interest payments.
Senator Casey’s legislative package is a direct response to the evolving demands of the workforce and the educational challenges faced by millions of Americans living in education deserts. By enhancing the accessibility and quality of community college programs, these measures promise to equip young Americans with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive job market. As the bills progress through legislative channels, they have the potential to transform the educational landscape, offering a brighter future for students nationwide.
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