There are a number of big-budget items mentioned on your front-page coverage of Gov. Mills’ financial plans (“Governor unveils $20 million plan for free community college tuition,” Feb. 11).

You can argue over much government spending (and indeed we do), but one item that is guaranteed to pay for itself – and then some – over time is the $20 million for community college tuition payments for the classes of 2020 through 2023.

Those will quickly lead to either good, solid, high-paying jobs for the graduates, or they will go on to the University of Southern Maine or other four-year colleges in the University of Maine System. That, too, will lead to better jobs. A good deal for the whole state.

Chris Queally
Scarborough