MADISON— Senate Republicans have approved most of Gov. Scott Walker's college affordability proposals.
The Senate approved bills that would increase grants for technical college students; create grants to help two-year students deal with financial emergencies; require the state Department of Workforce Development to coordinate internships between colleges and employers; create coordinators within the UW System to help students find internships; and require colleges to keep students apprised of debt levels.
The chamber approved the bills on party-line votes with all the chamber's Democrats voting against each measure, saying the package amounts to crumbs for students and is really about campaign talking points. The bills now go to Walker for his signature.
The Senate didn't take up a fifth bill that would have lifted the $2,500 cap on tax-deductible student loan interest.