First Lady Jill Biden delivered a commencement address at Mesa Community College in Arizona, where she called for community college education to be “free in America.” Her remarks were met with cheers from the assembled graduates, as she further spoke about her own role as an educator at a Virginia community college while her husband serves in the White House.
Biden praised Mesa Community College’s “Promise” program, which provides eligible students with free tuition and registration fees. She emphasized the importance of community colleges in providing flexible and accessible education, and highlighted their role in workforce training.
The First Lady’s remarks come as the Biden administration continues to face criticism over its efforts to cancel student loan debt. The national debt has also been rising at a rapid pace, raising concerns about the financial implications of free college tuition.
In his 2020 campaign platform, President Biden called for making community colleges and tech schools free. However, his proposal has not gained traction in Congress or the courts. The Supreme Court ruled against the Biden administration’s plan to cancel $430 billion in student loan debt, asserting that federal law does not permit such action.
Despite the challenges, Biden remains committed to expanding access to free community college education. His 2025 fiscal budget seeks $90 billion to support this goal, but it is unclear whether he will be able to overcome congressional and judicial resistance.
