We haven't had a new sidebar category in quite a while.  It is the confluence of the end of the Legislative session in Sac'to with hundreds of bills going to Newsom that has spurred me to add Free Stuff (Not) to our list.  Of course, any thinking individual knows there is No Free Lunch, but try telling that to the Legislature, the Gavinor, our president or 99% of the press.

Just in the last two weeks, multiple free lunches are being served.  

Under SB 893, crafted by state Sen. Josh Becker, D-San Mateo, with support from Assembly Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin, D-South San Francisco, and State Assembly Marc Berman, D-Palo Alto, the state would allow the San Mateo County Community College District to waive a mandatory $46-per-unit enrollment fees for nearly 6,000 San Mateo County residents, allowing those interested in enrolling in classes at one of the community college district’s three campuses to attend for free.

The County just approved a $4.2 billion dollar budget.  Will it be enough to make grades 13, 14 and 15 free?  I happen to have actually been on the CSM campus weekly for class over the last year and a half.  The place is deserted except for the football and softball teams and people working out at the really, really nice gym and pool.  You want more housing in the County?  There are plenty of buildings up on the hill that could be "free housing".  And this session, parking is free at CSM.

Our Senator Becker didn't stop there.  He also decided it was important that all prison inmates get free phone calls from inside.  You might think the old rate of .25 per minute is high, but is the answer to just make them free?  Somebody is paying something for the system and usage.  Guess who.

The biggest freebie is federal student debt forgiveness.  This week the CBO calculated that the nut on that one is $400 billion.  And it sends several really good messages.  Don't worry about incurring debt, kids, someone else will pay it off.  Don't worry about cranking up tuition, colleges and universities, the kids will still apply.

Welcome to the newest category–  Free Stuff (Not).