Grateful for free City College deal
On behalf of the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, we would like to express our gratitude to Mayor Ed Lee, Supervisor Jane Kim, and the rest of the Board of Supervisors for allocating $5.4 million to fulfill their promise of free City College for all San Franciscans by using revenue from the real estate transfer tax passed overwhelmingly by voters in the November 2016 election.
The city's contribution will cover the $46-per-credit fee usually paid by students in addition to providing financial assistance for low-income students to fund books, transportation, health fees, and other expenses. While not enough to cover entire costs incurred by students, this is a big step toward that goal.
In the November election, Alice strongly supported Proposition W, the transfer tax proposed by Kim. We believe in the goals of free City College: to give all San Francisco students the advantage of a higher education and to increase enrollment in light of the now-resolved accreditation crisis. This action represents another example of our city leading the way in building an economy that works for all through innovative and progressive ideas.
Our thanks go out to the Mayor Lee, Supervisor Kim, American Federation of Teachers Local 2121, City College leaders, and everyone who worked so hard to remove financial obstacles and clear the path to higher education and crucial job-training programs for all residents of San Francisco.
Louise (Lou) Fischer & Eric Lukoff, Co-Chairs
Alice B Toklas LGBT Democratic Club
San Francisco