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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
President Barack Obama, accompanied by Dr. Jill Biden, today launched the National College Promise Advisory Board.
I was honored to be appointed to this board and to represent Oregon in this national conversation to get more deserving and responsible young people into – and out of -- college without debt.
I will join Dr. Biden, the Board’s Chair, and other members for the inaugural board meeting September 16th, at the White House. Once there, I look forward to discussing the Oregon Promise, which will provide two years of free community college tuition to Oregon high school graduates, with these educational leaders.
 Dr. Jill Biden will Chair the National College Promise Adivsory Bd.
The board was assembled to support grassroots efforts throughout the country and partner with longstanding community colleges. Community colleges serve more than 40 percent of all American undergraduates, and thus play a critical role in building our workforce.
Six out of every ten jobs is expected to require a college degree by 2025. At this rate, a debt-free education is the only option out of poverty for our young people.
The Oregon Promise (SB 81) became law in July. It will allow Oregon high school graduates to have their tuition waived at Oregon community colleges beginning next year. It will be financed through a combination of federal and state funding. For more information on the Oregon promise click here.
I hope you will join me in the affordability conversation. To learn more about the President’s initiative please visit: http://headsupamerica.us/collegepromise .
Best,
 Senator Mark Hass
Senate District 14
email: Sen.MarkHass@state.or.us I phone: 503-986-1714
address: 900 Court St NE, S-207, Salem, OR, 97301
website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/hass
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