Today Gov. Murphy rolls out a proposal for two years of tuition-free public college for New Jersey families making less than $65,000 per year in income. politico.com/states/new-jer… A few thoughts to follow. (1/)
This follows up on the Community College Opportunity Grant, a similar program in the two-year sector. The program came in less expensive than expected last year, for what it's worth. But four-years were concerned about more students going to two-years. (2/)
Also making this more feasible: New Jersey has one of the most generous state grant aid programs in the country. The Tuition Aid Grant award varies by college, but can exceed $10,000 per year. (3/) 
This makes two years of tuition-free public college pretty easy for the state to do thanks to the income gap and existing grant aid. As the budget summary shows, it doesn't take a massive spending increase. (4/)
TAG has a history of fighting among colleges. Public colleges argue over the different max awards their students can get, while private colleges (a key player) fight with public colleges about award levels. (5/)
This new Garden State Guarantee may smooth over a few tensions among publics if their neediest students get two years of full coverage. But expect privates to freak out if their max award doesn't increase. (Reminder: opinions my own here.) (6/)
Also watch the legislature closely. There are some major divides between the governor and certain Democratic leaders, and everyone wants to protect their home district. This is also the second year of a (performance-based) funding formula for four-year colleges. (7/)
I'm switching to my phone to sum this up, unfortunately. The fun thing about state policy is that other states are also trying fascinating new policies. Research opportunities abound! (8/8)
