UNITED STATES
Another Democrat presidential candidate has advocated a system of public service for young people, increasing the chances that the measure in some form will be included in the party’s final election platform.
Former Maryland Congressman, John Delaney (pictured) joined Seth Moulton, Elizabeth Warren and Pete Buttigieg in advocating youth public service. However, Mr Delaney’s proposal, which would provide up to three years of free college tuition as a reward, is the first to mandate participation.
He said it would be compulsory for all Americans upon high school graduation or upon turning 18, but would apply only to those born after 2006, and would be phased in over time.
“The plan will provide two years of free tuition at a public college or university, and three years of tuition for those who extend their national service year to two years. Tuition could also be applied to vocational or technical training,” Mr Delaney said.
Spokesperson for Mr Delaney, Michael Hopkins described the measure as “transformational change”.
“There’s certainly going to be people who don’t want to do it, but this is also about appealing to a greater good and trying to bring the country back together,” Mr Hopkins said.
“I would be really interested to see who would be willing to go on the record and say that they don’t think that we need national service.”
He admitted the plan would be expensive “but when you’re pushing transformational change, you find ways to pay for it”.
Washington, 29 July, 2019
