Pay attention, folks. Attending a state college in Massachusetts could become much more difficult and expensive in the not-too-distant future. Representatives Michael J. Moran and Adrian C. Madaro, representing Boston, filed the petition, Bill H.1281, An Act to Ensure Tuition Equity for Massachusetts Residents. A portion of this legislation wants to offer the in-state tuition rate to individuals who are not citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States. The legislation states that a person applying for in-state tuition would need
“an affidavit signed under the pains and penalties of perjury stating that the person has applied for citizenship or legal permanent residence or will apply for citizenship or legal permanent residence in accordance with federal statute and federal regulations within 120 days of eligibility for such status.”
In-state tuition rates are reserved for those citizens who are legal residents or their parents who pay taxes that help fund these public colleges. This, in turn, offers them lower costs for tuition when and if they choose to apply to their local college. Allowing more individuals access to the same price point who are not Massachusetts taxpayers opens the door to more applicants. More applicants mean you have fewer chances of being accepted. The chain of events will be felt across our state, with our schools needing more tax dollars to allow those who do not pay taxes a better rate for college tuition.
As of the publishing of this article, this bill has not been passed. If you oppose it, I strongly urge you to contact your state legislatures to advocate your position on the potential passage of this bill.
Charlie W.
Sources
Massachusetts First 
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