According to Obama's Web site, his American Opportunity Tax Credit will offer students $4,000 toward college tuition annually in exchange for 100 hours of community service per year.

Theoretically, this amount should cover two-thirds of the tuition at an average public college or university. In reality, this may offer a free education at a community college, but when considering a CSU, UC, or a private school, our state tuition fees are definitely on the upper echelon of averages where financial aide has the most disparity for students. Although, as a California college student who is planning to transfer into the UC system next fall, monetary assistance in any amount for my education will always have my full support.

However, given the current U.S. economic crisis, it's difficult to imagine where these federal funds will originate to support such a proposition if it actually passes. As an optimist, I have my fingers crossed in hopes that this proposal is enacted. At the same time, I'm also interested in any stipulations or possible amendments that are adopted.

Since it's an incentive for people to attend or stay in college as well as to support one's community and country, I'll be writing to our local and state Congressional representatives to support this measure. I hope to see other pro-education citizens follow suit.

Brandon Garrido
Yuba City