Raimondo's Free College Plan? Mayor Fung Wants to See the Fine Print

CRANSTON, RI—Mayor Allan Fung has a few questions about the governor's "free college" plan. Here is the statement from his office.

"In response to an appearance by Governor Raimondo at Cranston High School East to promote her taxpayer-funded college tuition proposal, Mayor Allan W. Fung today reiterated his support for expanding educational opportunity while expressing reservations about the plan and concerns about the long-term implications for Cranston taxpayers, students, and all taxpayers in Rhode Island.

"A firm believer in the value of public education, Mayor Fung said he wonders if the taxpayers should pick up the tab for tuition at state schools for some Rhode Island students, while others would receive no benefit from the program.

"Mayor Fung, a Rhode Island College graduate, reiterated his belief that high-quality educational opportunities are fundamental components of a 21st century economy. He also expressed concern, however, that the cost of the program as presented thus far will be financially unsustainable, and that the Raimondo administration has a history of failing to execute on several programs already in existence.

“'The governor’s taxpayer funded tuition proposal, while noble in cause, is just another promise that the state may not be in position to make right now. The state is starting this year with a more than $100 million structural deficit. The state has told pensioners we can’t afford their COLAs. The state has told truckers that there is no other way to repair our roads than to institute tolls. We have moral obligations to keep our promises beyond a political season. And I’m concerned that this might be another one that comes up short.'

Fung cited the recent debacle over the computer system affecting residents on public assistance.

"'We’ve seen botched rollouts from this administration, from the ongoing UHIP crisis affecting our most vulnerable citizens, to the failed Cooler and Warmer tourism campaign that brought unwanted embarrassment to our state," he said. "I want to see more detail from the administration to show that they can get this right, and ensure that the state does not fail our neighbors yet again.'

Although he'd like to see more educational opportunities, he also has questions about the proposal’s limitations.

“'Why couldn’t the program accommodate students who choose to take a gap year before enrolling in college?” the mayor asked. “What happens if a student qualifies for the program but doesn’t complete the two years of school? Will they have to pay the bill?'

“'I would love to see all students attend state schools for free, but at the end of the day someone needs to balance the checkbook, and prove that the state really can execute on this. What we can’t afford is another promise that can’t be kept,' the mayor concluded.