To the Editor:

It is my pleasure to endorse Michelle McCabe for State Senate. While Michelle has many qualities and creative ideas, in particular I think her plan for college tuition forgiveness has merit.

To be clear, I am not a proponent of “free” college and based on my conversations with Michelle, neither is she. Connecticut has a very strong public university and community college system, only we are not using it to our advantage like many other higher growth states to retain our best and brightest students. While Connecticut has a limited program, 16 states with a mix of Democratic and Republican leadership have already instituted a more broad form of tuition forgiveness at the university or community college level for resident students who plan on staying in state and several more are presently considering it. Our state university system should be seen as an economic growth engine for Connecticut and by using tuition forgiveness as an incentive and retention tool for students that maintain a high GPA, we can help to secure the next generation of business and job growth for the state. I am glad Michelle recognizes this and has made it part of her campaign message.

Please join me in supporting Michelle McCabe on November 3rd, as Hartford needs creative thinking now more than ever.

Sincerely,

Daniel Rosenthal, Newtown First Selectman

9 Megans Circle, Newtown October 29, 2020