Senate Republicans knock down plan to broaden free community college bill

CHARLESTON — Senate Republicans voted down a proposal to broaden a plan meant to make community college free for students who meet certain requirements.

Senate Bill 1, if passed and signed into law, would create a new state grant to pay for the cost of a student’s tuition after other scholarships and financial aid are applied to a student’s account.

On Tuesday, Senate Democrats proposed amending the bill to let students use the grant to also pay for existing associate degree programs at four-year colleges.

Senate President Mitch Carmichael, R-Jackson, took the unusual step of taking to the floor to speak against the amendment. His warning suggested that members of the House of Delegates might not support the proposal if it becomes too costly.

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