Bill > S678

This bill aims to strengthen and expand affordable, quality higher education opportunities for residents of the Commonwealth by ensuring that public institutions like the University of Massachusetts, state universities, and community colleges have adequate funding for both their operating needs and capital projects, such as repairs and construction. It also establishes a standardized transfer system to make it easier for students to move between public colleges and universities without losing credits, and requires institutions to provide clear, uniform financial aid information to prospective students, including details on scholarships, grants, and loan repayment options. Furthermore, the bill introduces a partnership program (PACE) to foster collaboration and efficiency among public higher education institutions, and creates a trust fund to support students receiving transitional aid to families with dependent children (TAFDC) who are pursuing community college degrees or certificates. The bill also includes provisions for financial literacy education in K-12 schools, offers tax incentives for contributions to college savings programs, and allocates significant funding for capital improvements and scholarships across the state's public higher education system, with a focus on increasing degree completion rates and supporting at-risk students.