Assembly Approves Walker College Affordability Package

The state Assembly passed a package of college affordability bills backed by Gov. Scott Walker during a late-night legislative session on Tuesday.

The bills would increase a tax deduction for student loan interest and increase grants for technical colleges. They would also fund internship coordinator positions at schools and provide financial literacy training to students.

Walker touted the bills during his State of the State last month, and Republicans have called them a step in the right direction. But Democrats, including Stevens Point Rep. Katrina Shankland, say the plan doesn’t do enough.

“Today is like a Charles Dickens novel. Please sir, I want some more, thanks for the crumbs and the gruel,” Shankland said.

The bills will now go to the Senate, where Republican Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald has expressed concerns about their cost.