Democratic presidential candidate Julián Castro on Wednesday called for “tuition free” public colleges, apprenticeships and other certification programs as a way to make the U.S. workforce more competitive.
Castro, the former Housing and Urban Development (HUD) secretary, had initially called for more “accessible and affordable” higher education when he announced his candidacy, but went a step further at a New Hampshire event on Wednesday.
Tuition-free public colleges and universities is a progressive policy that Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.) pushed for in his 2016 presidential campaign.
ADVERTISEMENT”We need to ensure, if we want to be competitive, that every single American who wants a higher education can get one,” Castro said at a Politics & Eggs event at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire.
“That’s why I believe that we need to work toward a tuition-free system of public university, college, apprenticeship and certification programs in this country to have the smartest, most well-prepared work force that we can in this 21st century,” he said.
During his presidential announcement speech last weekend, Castro said he supported a “Medicare for all” single-payer health care system and universal prekindergarten. At Wednesday’s event, Castro touted his work as San Antonio mayor when voters in 2012 approved “Pre-K for SA,” which was covered by a sales tax increase.
“We need to make sure every single student gets off to a strong start in life, and if I’m elected president, I’m going to make pre-K for the USA happen in this country because it’s right for our students,” Castro said Wednesday in New Hampshire.
Since announcing his intention to seek the presidency, Castro made his first trip as a candidate to Puerto Rico, skipping over more traditional visits to early nominating states like Iowa.
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Castro is among a quickly growing field of White House contenders including Sens. Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (D-Mass.) and Kirsten GillibrandKirsten GillibrandWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Warren, Pressley introduce bill to make it a crime for police officers to deny medical care to people in custody Senate Dems press DOJ over coronavirus safety precautions in juvenile detention centers MORE (D-N.Y.). Other possible candidates still weighing a bid include Sanders and former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE.