MEASURE TO INCREASE COLLEGE GRADUATION RATES IN MAINE RECEIVES PUBLIC HEARING

Senator Boyle is sponsoring bill to create new scholarship fund

AUGUSTA – Senator Jim Boyle (D-Gorham) is introducing a bill in the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee that will assist Mainers that started, but never completed, their postsecondary degrees.

“Maine’s economy has been slow to recover from the recession,” said Senator Boyle. “A major factor in the lackluster growth is the skills gap that exists in this state. Helping Mainers complete their degrees will help us close this gap.”

The measure would create a new scholarship fund for Maine students who made significant progress towards their bachelor or associate’s degrees, but for some reason did not complete them and left school. The State of Maine has more than 200,000 people who at one point began college, but left before graduating and receiving a degree. For many of these students the high cost of tuition is a major factor in their decision not to return.

Senator Boyle’s bill would seek funding from the State and matching amounts from both Maine colleges and universities, and private sources to support the scholarship.

“All Mainers have an interest, whether direct or indirect, in closing the skills gap,” said Senator Boyle. “It makes sense that we all contribute to efforts to do so.”

The public hearing for the measure, LD 1332, “An Act To Increase the College Graduation Rate in Maine” has been scheduled for Monday, Apr 29 at 1:00 p.m. in Room 202 in the Cross Building.

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