June 10, 2012 08:23 PM UTC

Metro Provides Tuition Equity, With or Without Legislature's Blessing

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• by: Colorado Pols

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock was no doubt displeased with death of Senate Bill 12-015, which would’ve created new state university tuition rates for Colorado’s undocumented students, at the hands of the House Finance Committee.  

Hancock, after all, was an early and vocal proponent of the so-called ASSET bill.

That displeasure, however, has most certainly been dulled by Metropolitan State College of Denver’s implementation of special tuition rates all on its own.

From the mayor’s office:

DENVER – Mayor Michael B. Hancock today applauded Metropolitan State College of Denver and the Board of Trustees’ for passing the “Colorado Unsubsidized Tuition Rate.” The Mayor released the following statement:

“Today, I applaud Metro State and their Board for approving a new tuition rate for Colorado students who — through no fault of their own — do not have lawful status to be eligible for in-state tuition.

“With this vote, the Board took a courageous step to provide all of Denver and the state of Colorado’s students with opportunities they need and deserve to succeed in a global economy. This tuition rate will not only provide students greater access to postsecondary education, but will help the entire state realize the investment we’ve made in our students throughout their academic careers.

“The City of Denver is proud to have this local college act boldly to help all our students fulfill their potential, help strengthen our workforce and help create a sustainable economy.”

While we don’t think Hancock lobbied for Metro’s new tuition rate, we’re certain that the public blessing of Denver’s top politico certainly made it easier for the school’s Board of Trustees to approve the controversial policy change.

So while Hancock’s political capital may have been ineffective at making a statewide change, Denver’s mayor has certainly proven his mettle at affecting citywide issues that technically fall outside of the purview of his office. And because Metro’s new rates can be used as powerful ammunition when a new permutation of the bill is inevitably introduced next legislative session, perhaps Hancock’s role as a cheerleader may be more meaningful than a few press releases let on.