Support in-state tuition for all MA immigrant youth

The CSfC Immigration Reform/In-state Tuition Team is very gratified that the entire Cambridge-Somerville state delegation stands in support of the Education Parity Act (H.1175/S.603), including State Representative Jonathan Hecht, who represents Watertown and Ward 9 Cambridge.

But this important legislation needs a lot more support to pass. You can join our efforts by coming to our next meeting on Jan. 20th at 6:30pm at 359 Cambridge St #8, East Cambridge.

The Education Parity Act will let undocumented immigrant students in MA -- most of whom came to Massachusetts as infants or children -- pay the same in-state tuition rates as their peers at public colleges. These hard-working high-schoolers are currently charged out-of-state tuition rates that are financially prohibitive, making an education beyond the twelfth grade unaffordable and thus, unattainable.

This is not a discount or a hand-out. Students will have to pay full in-state tuition rates out of pocket with no assistance from federal or state financial aid or scholarships. According to a 2006 MA Taxpayers Foundation report – which stands by these numbers as current today -- the Education Parity Act (H.1175/S.603) would bring $2.5 million in new revenue to Massachusetts within 3 years - by increasing income without increasing costs. Twelve other states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Utah, and California, have already passed similar legislation. Massachusetts is lagging.

The time is now to eliminate useless barriers for Massachusetts high-schoolers who want to go to college and learn.

Join the Immigration Reform/In-state Tuition Team for our next meeting on Jan. 20th (the anniversary of Obama's inauguration) at 6:30pm at 359 Cambridge St #8, East Cambridge.