LANSING, Mich. (Dec. 2, 2021) — Sen. Rosemary Bayer (D-Beverly Hills) issued the following statement after the Michigan Senate today passed bipartisan legislation that she sponsored, requiring on-campus room and board to be considered qualified educational expenses for students in Promise Zones:

“I am thrilled play a role in expanding the list of allowable expenses for students in Promise Zones. On-campus room and board can sometimes cost just as much as tuition at our institutions of higher learning, so it is a significant relief to be able to include this expense as something that can be covered by these incredible scholarships. My many thanks to all who have helped move this legislation forward, and I hope this progress continues as the bill makes its way through the House and ultimately to the governor for her signature.”

Michigan is home to 15 designated “Promise Zones,” including for students in the City of Pontiac, which Sen. Bayer represents. Promise Zones offer qualifying high school graduates of these communities to receive a scholarship to attend one or more public or private higher education institutions in Michigan, tuition-free. At minimum, the students should have a tuition-free path to an associate degree.

Senate Bill 99 has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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