PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – Getting a college degree in New York could soon cost you nothing.
Governor Kathy Hochul outlined her plan this week to offer free community college education for adults ages 25 to 55.
It was included in her State of the State Address as a way to bolster the state’s trained workforce and make sure all New Yorkers have the chance to get a degree.
At her announcement, she highlighted the state’s status as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing and tech.
The idea is to give New York residents the chance to get high-paying jobs in their own communities. “I don’t want people to have to come from out-of-state. You’re welcome to come, we’ve got plenty of room, but what about our own students? What about the young people who grew up right here in this county, in this city?” said Gov. Hochul.
She said this is an opportunity encouraged by the CHIPS Act to cultivate high-paying manufacturing jobs in the state.
Another focus Hochul wants the state to pay for is health care.
The plan still needs legislative approval.