Assembly committee okays Gov. Scott Walker's college proposals

MADISON — Assembly Republicans are pushing Gov. Scott Walker's college affordability proposals toward a floor vote.

The Assembly's universities committee approved all six bills on party-line votes, with all the Democrats on the panel voting against every measure. They contended that the bills don't go nearly far enough to help students and amount to campaign talking points.

The bills would remove the cap on tax-deductible student loan interest, increase need-based assistance programs at technical colleges, create state internship programs and provide students with information annually on where their debt and costs stand.

Committee approval clears the way for a full vote on the Assembly floor. A spokeswoman for Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says the chamber will take up the bills next month.