Indian-American lawmaker helps Virginia colleges get $55-million booster shot
A proposal by an Indian-American lawmaker, JJ Singh, to allocate $55 million in tuition relief for students at Virginia's public colleges and universities has now been signed into a law.The move, through the state budget, would allocate money to ease the financial strain of higher education and mitigate growing student debt."I am proud that my proposal for $55 million in university tuition relief was included in the final budget released earlier this week," JJ Singh wrote on X.advertisement
"Now, more than ever, we need to invest in our next generation and ensure every Virginia student can achieve the American dream," he added.JJ SINGH HIGHLIGHTS SOARING TUITION CRISIS IN US"When I went to the University of Virginia, tuition, room, and board cost just $15,000 per year; now it's over $40,000. The rise in tuition is an epidemic plaguing the entire Commonwealth, and the country, for that matter, said."Students and families can't afford it. For any parents who can help, they have to choose whether to help their children or fund their own retirement," he concluded.The $55 million in tuition assistance will support Virginia's public universities and community colleges, aiming to ease student debt and improve access to higher education.Singh has prioritised making higher education more affordable since assuming office.advertisementA son of Indian immigrants, Singh made history as the first turbaned Sikh to serve in the US Peace Corps and previously held a role in the Barack Obama administration's Office of Management and Budget, according to reports.Democrat JJ Singh defeated Republican Ram Venkatachalam in the special election earlier this year in January for a Virginia House of Delegates seat.
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