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Assembly Panel Approves Riley, Giblin & Mainor Bill to Create a Commission to Study Rising Costs of Higher Education in NJ

(TRENTON) – An Assembly committee on Thursday approved legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Celeste M. Riley, Thomas P. Giblin and Charles Mainor to create a commission to study and make recommendations to the governor and the Legislature about the rising costs of higher education in New Jersey.

“New Jersey has some of the highest tuition rates in the country, making it more and more difficult for families and students to afford college,” said Riley(D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem), who chairs the Assembly Higher Education Committee. “This commission will provide valuable information about the rising costs of a college education and what we can do to make it more affordable.”

The bill (A-2972) establishes the Commission on Higher Education. The commission will identify and examine the factors that contribute to tuition levels in each sector of higher education in the state; how tuition levels have changed over the last 10 years on each sector; and why tuition levels vary across the different sectors of higher education. The commission must issue a final report to the governor and the Legislature no later than six months following its organizational meeting.

“Soaring tuition costs are putting a serious financial strain on many New Jersey families. Some simply can’t afford to send their kids off to school,” said Giblin (D-Essex/Passaic). “Everyone should have the opportunity to pursue a college education. This commission will help us ensure that that opportunity is still available to all New Jersey families regardless of income.”

“We have top notch colleges and universities in New Jersey, but many of our students are being priced out by exorbitant tuition costs or face staggering student loan debt after graduation,” said Mainor (D-Hudson). “There must be a more affordable way to get an education. This commission will help us better determine how to keep college accessible to all students.”

The bill was released by the Assembly Higher Education Committee.