Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed giving essential workers in the state a free college education.
Whitmer said Wednesday that front-line workers, such as hospital and grocery store staff, who do not have a college degree should be able to receive a tuition-free education.
“Historically, when Americans put their lives on the line to defend the rest of us from a foreign enemy, we show our gratitude by giving them educational opportunities,” she said Wednesday, referencing the GI Bill, which provided a range of assistance to World War II veterans.
Participants could earn a technical certificate, associate’s degree, or bachelor’s degree, Whitmer said.
Her office said the program would help Whitmer accomplish her goal of increasing the number of working-age adults in the state with a technical certificate or college degree from 45% to 60% in the next decade.
It remains unclear how the program would be funded.
