MASON CITY – Representative Sharon Steckman joined her Democratic counterpart Amanda Ragan this week in calling for an unprecedented third-straight year of college tuition freezes at Iowa’s public universities.
“The Legislature should also freeze tuition again next year at state universities and expanding grants to students attending private college so higher education is affordable and accessible to all Iowans,” Steckman said in her latest newsletter.
Earlier this month, State Senator Amanda Ragan of Mason City announced that she will help lead an effort next year in the Iowa Senate to extend the current tuition freeze at Iowa’s public universities for a third year.
Steckman said that Iowa is facing a skilled worker shortage and the future of Iowa’s economy “depends on a highly skilled workforce that is ready to compete with workers from around the globe.” She said Iowa can compete and win in the global economy “as long as we invest in education and job training to build our skilled workforce.” She also called for creating new partnerships between high schools, community colleges, and local businesses to create hands-on learning opportunities to better prepare students for future jobs and keep them in Iowa.
“Expanding tuition grants for students will also give more Iowans an opportunity to attend an Iowa community college to help develop the skills needed to land a good job.
“Iowa’s skilled worker shortage problem won’t be fixed overnight, but it’s something that requires immediate action by the Legislature. If employers can’t find qualified workers here in Iowa, they’ll go somewhere else and Iowans will be left with fewer opportunities.”
Earlier, Ragan said North Iowa Area Community College and Iowa’s private colleges will also benefit from the tuition freeze and other investments in higher education.
“I helped pass an $8 million increase for community colleges and more financial aid for private college students,” said Ragan. “This was in addition to the $40.3 million the Legislature and Governor Branstad decided this spring to invest in job training and skill enhancement, much of which will take place at our community colleges.”
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