- In-state tuition
- A bill that has languished in Massachusetts for over 6 years
- The time is now
- Please call Governor Patrick today
CONTACT GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK:
| Phone: 617.725.4005 | Massachusetts State House |
| Fax: 617.727.9725 | Office of the Governor, Room 280 |
| TTY: 617.727.3666 | Boston, MA 02133 |
Call script (LEAVE a voice-message):
Hello Governor Patrick,
My name is _______________ and I live at _____________ in ____________, MA. As part of Cambridge-Somerville for Change, I am calling to thank you for your passionate support for in-state tuition for undocumented high school students in Massachusetts.
When you, as Governor, create a system for these high-achieving MA students to go to college at the affordable in-state tuition rate, it will be a progressive milestone. Giving the 2010 graduating class a chance to realize their potential will also be a victory I can cite when rallying friends and co-workers to support your reelection later this year.
Thank you, Governor Patrick, for your advocacy.
The next CSfC Immigration Team meeting is:
MARCH 4th
6:30-8:30pm
Democracy Center, 45 Mount Auburn St., Harvard Square
What is In-state Tuition?
In-state tuition rates allow high-achieving undocumented immigrant students who have spent three years in good standing at -- and graduated from -- a Massachusetts high school to pay the same in-state tuition rates s their peers; rather than out-of-state rates, which, by being approximately three times as costly, make an education beyond high school unaffordable and thus, unattainable for these youth.
Why In-state Tuition?
In-state tuition is common sense for the Commonwealth because:
- It generates new revenue. According to a MA Taxpayers Foundation report, the bill would generate over $2 million in added revenues from students who are currently accepted into state colleges, but can’t afford to pay out-of-state rates.
- Twelve other states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, New York, California, and Utah, have passed similar legislation with bipartisan support. Massachusetts, the leader in education nationwide, is lagging.
- It benefits long-term, high-achieving undocumented students who are committed to the Commonwealth. Massachusetts will not only benefit from added tuition and fees, but from having a more skilled, educated, productive, and tax-paying workforce. Education is good for kids, and good for our State.
- The status quo penalizes children who have done everything right. These students often came to the U.S. as infants or toddlers and have succeeded despite many obstacles. We should not punish innocent children by denying them the opportunity to better themselves in seeking a higher education.
- The estimated increase in students in the Massachusetts college system would be a fraction of 1% (approximately 300-400 students). Public College presidents universally support in-state tuition because their classrooms have empty seats.
How can I get involved?
Come to Cambridge-Somerville for Change (CSfC)’s next Immigration Reform/In-state Tuition Team meeting on MARCH 4th 6:30-8:30pm at the Democracy Center, 45 Mount Auburn St. Harvard Square. Contact: immigration@cambridgesomervilleforchange.com
Where can I find more information?
- MIRA (Mass. Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy) Coalition: www.miracoalition.org
- Student Immigrant Movement: www.simforus.com
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