Reps. Abdullahi and Rader Introduce Legislation to Create a Pathway to Tuition-free Higher Education for Ohio Students

COLUMBUS - State Reps. Abdullahi (D-Columbus) and Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood) last week introduced legislation that would create a state-funded, tuition-free public higher education for all Ohio students.

House Bill (HB) 854 will be supported by a tax on the state's top earners, defined as those making $500K or more annually.

"This economy has made higher education increasingly important for career success and financial stability. It is our moral obligation to provide students the opportunity to further their academic ambitions," said Rep. Abdullahi. "Access to higher education should not be limited by a student's economic status."

Programs to support in-state students through two-year or four-year degrees exist in states like New York, New Mexico, and Florida and have yielded increases in college enrollment.

"In one of the richest countries in the world, no one should experience such daunting financial barriers to receive a public higher education," said Rep. Rader. "We have the resources to do it, we just need to direct them to support our students' futures, not padding the pockets of millionaires."

HB 854 was assigned to the Workforce and Higher Education Committee and awaits its first hearing.