Governor Leads 'Free College' Pep Rally at Johnston High on Tuesday

JOHNSTON, RI—Gov. Gina Raimondo went to a pep rally at Johnston High on Tuesday. She was at the school to promote "Rhode Island's Promise free college proposal."

According to her office, "Raimondo's plan guarantees two years of free college for every Rhode Island student at who graduates on time from the Community College of Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island, beginning with high school seniors who graduate this spring.

More details are promised at FreeCollegeRI.com. Her budget includes money to finance the education initiative, which is ultimately expected to cost about $30 million.

Some parents commented on the Patch to say they were unhappy the governor was trying to enlist the youngster's support on a political issue.

Last week, the governor held a similar rally at Cranston High School East. Mayor Allan Fung later issued a statement questioning the fiscal policy. While he would encourage expanding educational opportunities, he questions if this plan is sustainable.

Today, Coventry's state Rep. Bobby Nardolillo said he won't support asking the taxpayers to foot the bill for free college for people who entered the country with proper documents.

Nardolillo (R-District 28 Coventry) said the taxpayers have already provided free K-12 public education for the undocumented residents.

“As it stands, we are already paying for public education K-12 for illegal immigrants, and now this?” he asked.

“We already know that Governor Raimondo supports driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants, now it looks as though, if this plan passed, Governor Raimondo would be putting all Rhode Island taxpayers on the hook to pay for two years of free college tuition for some 35,000 illegal immigrants currently residing in Rhode Island,” he said.

He estimates the cost would be over $200 million.

“At first glance, anyone would agree, the proposal of free college tuition for two years is a great idea, because it would offer financial relief to parents and students. It is also a great motivator to any student discouraged by today’s high cost of education,” said Representative Nardolillo. “However, especially if we include the cost of paying for two years of college for illegal immigrants, we simply do not have the funds to cover this initiative.”

“We see this every budget cycle. The sitting Governor releases a proposed budget, which offers all sorts of goodies, which sounds like heaven sent promises, but it’s all smoke and mirrors. The budget then goes to the General Assembly which must trim the fat, determining what our state can and cannot pay for. The General Assembly is charged with protecting taxpayers, and is why I am speaking out on this ridiculous proposal. While it sounds great in theory, it is not financially responsible. Governor Raimondo is a huge supporter of giving driver’s licenses to illegals and now it appears she wants to give those without proper immigration status two years of college tuition, too.”