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Chicago Lawmaker Pushes For Tuition Free College

Rep. Will Guzzardi
ilga.gov
Rep. Will Guzzardi
Rep. Will Guzzardi
Credit ilga.gov
Rep. Will Guzzardi

Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign surged in part because of his tuition-free college platform. Now one of Sanders' backers -- State Representative WillGuzzardi-- is bringing that concept to Illinois.An interview with Rep. Guzzardi on his Tuition Free Illinois plan ... and how he proposes to pay for it

Guzzardi says it would make Illinois' public universities and community colleges a draw.

Guzzardi, who is a Chicago Democrat, says if Illinois taxed wealthy people and profitable corporations at higher rates the state could bring in enough money to do this, while also erasing the deficit.

"I think if we're going to ask the taxpayer to contribute more in order to fix this current budget crisis -- we're going to have to ask the taxpayers to contribute more. And if we're going to do that, we need to be able to say: Here's what you're going to get in exchange," he said.

Guzzardisays he'll travel to campuses around the state this fall to promote the idea. 

Copyright 2016 NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS

Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.
Amanda Vinicky
Amanda Vinicky moved to Chicago Tonight on WTTW-TV PBS in 2017.
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