Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

Connecticut House Bill HJ00068

Introduced
2/21/19  
Introduced
2/21/19  
Refer
2/21/19  

Caption

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution To Provide Two Years Of Free Public Post-secondary Education.

Impact

If implemented, HJ00068 would significantly transform the landscape of higher education funding in the state. By mandating the provision of free post-secondary education for two years, the state would potentially increase enrollment rates in colleges and universities, particularly among low-income populations. The legislation could lead to a more educated workforce, which, in turn, may enhance the state's economy and social mobility among its residents. However, the shift would require careful consideration of budget allocations and the sustainability of funding for this program over time.

Summary

House Joint Resolution No. 68 (HJ00068) proposes an amendment to the state constitution aimed at providing two years of free post-secondary education to all bona fide residents of the state. The resolution establishes a Higher Education Scholarship Fund dedicated to this purpose, which will be funded through state legislation. This initiative is designed to alleviate the financial burden of education on students, thereby increasing access to higher education for residents, which aligns with broader educational equity goals.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, HJ00068 is not without controversy. Critics may argue about the financial implications of adopting such a policy, expressing concerns regarding the cost to the state and the possibility of taxpayers bearing the long-term financial burden. Furthermore, there are discussions surrounding the effectiveness of free education initiatives in boosting educational outcomes, with opponents questioning whether the resources could be better allocated to enhance the quality of education or support for existing students. Supporters, on the other hand, emphasize that investing in education generates substantial returns in terms of economic growth and social equity.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

CT SJ00193

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution Regarding Environmental Rights.

CT SJ00004

Resolution Proposing A State Constitutional Amendment Concerning Discrimination On The Basis Of Sex Under The Equal Protection Clause.

CT HJ00216

Resolution Proposing A State Constitutional Amendment To Allow Individuals Who Have Attained The Age Of Sixteen To Apply For Admission As Electors And To Be So Admitted Upon Attaining The Age Of Eighteen.

CT HJ00171

Resolution Proposing An Amendment To The State Constitution To Revise Requirements Relating To The Offering Of Bail Or Pretrial Release To Persons Accused Of A Crime.

CT HJ00217

Resolution Ratifying The Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Of The United States Permitting Congress To Regulate Child Labor.

CT HJ00230

Resolution Memorializing Congress To Rescind Previous Applications Of The General Assembly Calling For An Article V Convention To Propose Amendments To The Constitution Of The United States.

CT HB05523

An Act Concerning Allocations Of Federal American Rescue Plan Act Funds And Provisions Related To General Government, Human Services, Education And The Biennium Ending June 30, 2025.

CT HB05324

An Act Establishing Secondary Traffic Violations.

CT SB00107

An Act Updating Requirements For Construction Management Oversight At The University Of Connecticut, Pausing The Requirement For A Plan To Increase The Number Of Full-time Faculty At Public Institutions Of Higher Education And Replacing References To The President Of The Connecticut State Colleges And Universities With The Chancellor Of The Connecticut State Colleges And Universities.

CT SB00363

An Act Concerning Assorted Revisions To The Education Statutes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.