South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg often says in his stump speech that he will “appoint a Secretary of Education who actually believes in public education.” And ahead of a four day bus tour across New Hampshire, the Democratic presidential hopeful released details on how he says his administration would provide affordable college tuition for working and middle-class Americans.
“Our government can, and should, play a role in setting a level playing field that gives all Americans a chance to succeed,” the plan reads. “That doesn’t mean government taking over the economy. But government does need to be a vigorous presence in ensuring that our economy actually works for all.”
Buttigieg’s plan to improve college affordability includes a $500 billion investment and a breakdown of tuition costs according to a family’s income. The plan says that public college students would attend college for free if their families earn less than $100,000 per year.
Meanwhile, families that make in between $100,000 to $150,000 will pay tuition on a reduced sliding scale, while families who make more than $150,000 are expected to pay full tuition. Buttigieg’s approach to affordable college tuition contrasts with policies supported by Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who both advocate for free tuition for all students who attend public colleges.