Sometimes the corny thing can be the right thing.
Such is the case with General Treasurer Seth Magaziner’s plan to deposit $529 into the 529 college savings account for any baby born or adopted on May 29.
The triple pun shines a spotlight on the ever-escalating cost of a college education, and the challenge families face in helping their children finish school without massive debt.
But, as the General Assembly moves into its 2019 session stretch run, the 529 plan bonanza also should prompt legislators to approve Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s plan to expand her Rhode Island Promise program from the Community College of Rhode Island to include Rhode Island College.
Already successful at CCRI, many in the administration believe that RI Promise has the potential to transform the state’s intellectual capital. The governor argues that many students drop out of RIC well into their time there, many because of financial difficulties. Removing the barrier to getting more students over the finish line at RIC sounds like a no-brainer.