Governor aims to expand free tuition program if re-elected

By: Associated Press

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island’s governor says she’ll try to expand the state’s free tuition program if she’s elected to a second term.

Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo said Monday she wants to offer free tuition at the University of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College. Currently it’s offered at the Community College of Rhode Island.

Raimondo proposed giving in-state residents two years of free tuition at the state’s three public colleges in 2017, saying then it would cost $30 million annually. Lawmakers scaled back that plan during the budget process.

The Providence Journal reports Raimondo didn’t say how much the new initiatives would cost at a news conference Monday.

Currently, recent graduates are eligible for free tuition at CCRI. Raimondo wants any Rhode Island adult to be able to attend CCRI for free. 

© Associated Press, WLNE-TV / ABC6 2018