Gov. Patrick Joins Students In Backing Education Funding Plan

Gov. Deval Patrick is urging students from the University of Massachusetts and community colleges to press lawmakers to back his education proposal.

 Patrick addressed hundreds of students at a rally at the Statehouse Monday, saying an affordable college education is good for students and the economy.

    Patrick included an additional $550 million in education spending in his proposed budget for the new fiscal year.

    The proposal would increase funding to the MASSGrant program, which provides financial assistance for lower income students.

    The extra spending would be funded by a hike in taxes, including an increase in the state's income tax rate from 5.25 percent to 6.25 percent.

    Massachusetts Republican Party Chairwoman Kirsten Hughes said Patrick is trying to persuade students to support tax increases that hurt them and their families by eliminating higher education-related deductions.  {Associated Press)