Plan to Curb College Costs in NJ

Two Democrats in the New Jersey Assembly have introduced a 20-bill package that seeks to make college more attainable and affordable.
 
The plan calls for freezing tuition and fees for nine semesters following a student's enrollment at a four-year public or private school in the state.
 
It also would establish a state income tax deduction for student loan interest paid equivalent to federal levels.
 
Schools would be prohibited from requiring students to purchase meal plans and would have to develop online textbooks at no charge.
 
Assembly Higher Education Committee chairwoman Celeste Riley says the measures are not written in stone and she's open to ideas as long as they reduce costs and enhance achievement.
 
The measure does not yet have a sponsor in the state Senate.