MCC News

Congressman Morelle Takes Action to Expand Access to Higher Education

June 10, 2021

The College for All Act would make college and public trade schools tuition-free, strengthening educational opportunities for everyday families. Legislation builds upon Rep. Morelle’s prior action to enact the Excelsior Scholarship in New York State.

Rochester, NY – Today, Congressman Morelle announced his co-sponsorship of the landmark College for All Act. This transformative legislation would ensure every student across America has access to free or reduced-cost higher education, breaking down barriers that prevent too many students from following their dreams and setting everyday families on the path to success.

From left, Rep. Joe Morelle is joined by MCC President DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, SUNY Brockport President Heidi Macpherson, and REOC Dean and Executive Director Roosevelt Mareus.

“Nothing should stand in the way of a student’s educational success,” said Rep. Joe Morelle. “But for too many Americans, the significant and rising cost of higher education prevents them from continuing their education and following their dreams. I’m co-sponsoring the College for All Act because it’s time for us to take action and ensure the benefits of a college education are accessible and available to anyone who chooses to pursue them.”

“Congressman Joe Morelle’s co-sponsorship of the College for All Act boldly underlines the competitive advantage of having a college credential for those seeking to enter the workforce, change careers or advance in the workplace,” said Monroe Community College President DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, Ph.D. “The College for All Act would offer underrepresented and disadvantaged individuals real opportunities to start and complete their studies in two years or less with zero debt at MCC while helping move our regional economy forward.”

“I want to thank Congressman Morelle for his long-standing support of public higher education,” said Heidi Macpherson, President of SUNY Brockport. “Through free tuition, the doubling of Pell grants, and addressing equity gaps, the College for All Act will help those families who most need financial assistance realize their educational goals.”

“The Rochester Educational Opportunity Center (REOC) has been providing tuition-free academic and workforce development training to the underrepresented population for over 50 years,” said Roosevelt Mareus, Dean and Executive Director of REOC. “I am excited about the College for All Act because it creates a clear and debt-free pathway for our students who want to transition from REOC to a community college or public four-year college or university. This Act will help countless people who might not otherwise have access to college. I want to thank Congressman Joe Morelle for his diligence and advocacy to make college affordable for all. This Act will ensure that not only individuals, but entire families and communities will be transformed.”

For years, college tuition costs have been on the rise, placing a college education out of reach for many Americans. Recent reports have also shown that enrollment among higher education institutions is down because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed a significant financial burden on families. The College for All Act would guarantee tuition-free community college for all students and allow students from families earning under $125,000 a year to attend public colleges and universities tuition-free and debt-free, making higher education accessible to all students regardless of their income. As the former Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly, Rep. Morelle supported and voted to enact a similar initiative in New York State called the Excelsior Scholarship.

Specifically, the College for All Act would:

• Provide tuition-free community colleges and public trade schools.
• Provide tuition-free public four-year colleges and universities for families who earn less than $125,000 per year.
• Double the maximum Pell Grant award from $6,495 to $12,990.
• Invest $10 billion to address equity gaps at under-funded public colleges and universities.

“Our students should carry with them a lifetime of knowledge gained from higher education—not a lifetime of debt,” continued Rep. Morelle. “I’m proud to co-sponsor this important legislation and will continue fighting to ensure everyone has access to the quality, affordable education they deserve.”