Bill Would Trade Student Fees for Civic Service

“In an attempt to quell the swelling cost of attending a four-year university, a new bill in the state Legislature aims to pay student tuition and fees in exchange for two years of civil service upon graduation. The legislation is an attempt to make service to the greater community a more popular line of work, as well as enable students to take such jobs without having to worry too much about making enough to pay loans and living costs after graduation. Assemblyman Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles) proposed the bill, AB 1267, to make it financially easier for students to obtain a degree while increasing the number of quality employees in the field of civic service. The bill would finance university tuition and fees for either a one- or two-year commitment to service, depending on what type of occupation the student chooses. Four years of fees would be paid if a student from a University of California or California State University campus works two years as a firefighter, peace officer, medical technician or another similar occupation where recruitment is currently lacking.”