2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Does Sanders' college plan really rely on governors to release funds? [View all]MineralMan
(146,308 posts)It's not within his powers. Major changes that affect states must be initiated in Congress, and Congress is made up of people who must be elected in their own states.
Bottom line is that tuition-free state colleges will require additional taxation in the states. There's no surplus of tax dollars that can be redirected to end state college tuition. Additional taxation is unpopular with taxpayers, even Democratic taxpayers.
The only thing a President can do about such matters is use his or her Bully Pulpit to promote them. Tuition-free public colleges will require a sea change in Congress. I don't see that coming earlier than 2024, at best.
President Obama has called for free community colleges. That will not happen, either, unless Congress forces the issue on the states.