President Barack Obama has proposed a plan that would allow two years of a tuition-free community college in order to make secondary education more attainable for the general public. Obama’s initiative would help with the growing demand for skilled labor in the U.S. by providing a two-year free education at community colleges.

However, the plan is estimated to cost the government $60 billion.

“I think that it would increase our taxes and give other people an incentive not to pay for college which isn’t fair for people or parents who have worked their whole lives to be able to put themselves or their children through school,” Elizabeth Porter, senior, said.

One of the nation’s current issues involves the lack of workers qualified to perform in higher-class jobs. These advanced jobs require a college degree, which people previously unable to afford college education could earn with Obama’s plan.

“I think that this bill could help students when they earn the associates degree and go to apply for jobs. Most jobs require at least a one year certificate and they were earn a two-year Associates’ degree through Hillsborough Community College,” Ashley Carl, Director of Marketing at HCC, said.

Rahm Emanuel, the first White House Chief of Staff during the Obama administration influenced the proposed G.I. Bill and suggested it in a 2006 book, “The Plan: Big Ideas for America.”

Specific details are currently uncertain although this proposal will need cumulative support.

In order to succeed, the plan needs funding from the state, consistently good grades from students who attend the community college and growing rigorous programs offered at the schools.

“I do not think that it is a good idea because we are $17 trillion in debt and we do not need another government handout and people should value what they work towards,” Isabella Pittman, sophomore, said.“They will not strive for educational goals if they know they will get it for free.”

Ann Glenn, Economics and Law Studies teacher, explained that nothing is free and someone has to pay for it.

“Having a talented workforce is important although two years at a community college may not be the right solution,” Glenn said.

This proposed bill created another contrasting topic of discussion between liberals and conservatives.

According to an online article written by Jonathan Alter for The Daily Beast, Liberals believe the bill should only be directed at the people with low income and conservatives think that community college will be too expensive to offer free to both the middle class and the low income class.

“My main concern is that all of these people will get degrees and then we won’t have enough jobs to provide them with,” Laura Jones, sophomore, said. “Giving someone an education does not mean that they will use it to become successful.”