Statements from Senate President Sweeney, Senator Cunningham on Governor Murphy Signing Bill Encouraging Full-Time College Enrollment

TRENTON – Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Higher Education Committee Chairwoman Sandra Cunningham issued the following statements on the signing today by Governor Murphy of S-767/A3829, a bill that directs the Secretary of Higher Education to establish a statewide “30 Credits Per Year to Finish” communication campaign to raise awareness that students should take 30 credits per year to graduate with an associate degree in two years or a baccalaureate degree in four years.

The new law was a recommendation that came from Senator Sweeney’s College Affordability Study Commission’s report released in September of 2016.

“Higher education opens so many doors for young people,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “This law had unanimous support in the Senate because it encourages students to take the course load each semester that will bring students to a timely graduation. We have incredible institutions of higher education in New Jersey and this campaign will further strengthen our state’s reputation as a place where education is valued.”

“The road to opportunity for all people is education,” said Senator Cunningham (D-Hudson). “That is why it so important that we make higher education a priority to students and to their families who provide the emotional and sometimes financial support to pursue a higher education. This law shows we in New Jersey value education and want to encourage our students to take the needed courses to complete degrees in two and four years. I thank the governor for signing this important legislation that will raise awareness statewide on higher education.”