Rosapepe proposes tuition cap

In an effort to ensure higher education remains affordable in an uncertain economic climate, state Sen. Jim Rosapepe (D-Anne Arundel and Prince George's) introduced a bill Monday that would cap tuition increases and mandate funding for the University System of Maryland.

Although this is the sixth time Rosapepe has introduced such legislation, he said he hopes lobbying efforts by university student groups, alumni associations and the university system will help push the bill further than it has gone in past years. This year's version of the bill, SB 675: Tuition Cap and College Opportunity Act of 2012, would prevent tuition hikes from surpassing the state's three-year average median family income.

"Middle-class families need to be able to afford to get their kids through college," Rosapepe said. "The fact of the matter is the state has the resources."

aThe language of the legislation has been revised in this year's version of the bill to empower — rather than require — the university system to comply with tuition increases, said Sen. Jamie Raskin (D-Montgomery).

"In the past the legislation has been written in a mandatory way," he said. "It basically changes from a ‘shall' to a ‘may.'"

Many state lawmakers have rallied behind the bill, noting they think it will fare well in the General Assembly, especially as economic conditions improve and more residents reenter the labor force.

"It is a bipartisan bill," said Sen. Karen Montgomery (D-Montgomery). "I generally see it being a very positive force."

But other legislators have said higher education should always remain affordable, regardless of the state's economic condition.

"In these recessionary times the government needs to do what it can to help struggling students and families supporting students to be able to get an education," said Sen. Richard Colburn (R-Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot and Wicomico), a co-sponsor of the legislation.

While the Student Government Association has not taken a stance on the legislation yet, Director of Governmental Affairs Zach Cohen said the organization is likely to support any permanent legislation that eases students' financial burdens.

"I'm sure that's something we'd be willing to support," he said. "The last thing that we would want is for action to be taken and then undone."

Since tuition would increase in accordance with median family income, Raskin said the statute would give students more clarity.

"Essentially the goal is to improve the ability of students to plan on what their tuition cost will be," he said.

Rosapepe said the state is financially prepared to sign the bill into law, but the problem lays in funding the university system in the years to come, adding the state will need to bring in more revenue.

"We have historically underfunded higher education," he said. "The state would have to come up with a funding source to adequately fund the university."

bach@umdbk.com