Tuition should be free

In 2015, Arkansas student loan debt was at $9 billion; this is a small part of the $1.19 trillion in the United States. Arkansas should have free college tuition for everyone.

In March of 2017, Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed into law a measure aimed at helping college students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields such as computer coding, nursing, and welding. However, more should be done. Tennessee provides free community college tuition through the state lottery. Arkansas already has some funding by the lottery, but it comes in small amounts to only certain individuals. New York also provides free tuition for both two- and four-year colleges. Arkansas could also require students to stay in Arkansas after graduation for the same number of years that they receive scholarship money, just as New York does.

Many more Arkansans would be able to go to college if their tuition was free. Just think of how far and how much our state could and would improve if we had more educated people. More businesses would open and would hire from within our state. Also, salaries could increase, with all the income staying here in the state.

We must petition to get free tuition on the ballot. This could be a win-win for everyone: Students get free tuition, and Arkansas gains more educated residents. So how about it? Free tuition for everyone!

ALLAN COX-THOMAS

Little Rock