Two different stories coming our way from state-based fights for access to higher education. The battle for in-state tuition is emboldened in New Jersey by a new report. Meanwhile, Colorado’s main political advocate for in-state tuition says he will hold off legislative push until 2011.

New Jersey: A new report by New Jersey Policy Perspectives titled Garden State Dreams: In-State Tuition for Undocumented Kids shows how much the state would benefit from following the examples of states who are getting back on their educational investment by keeping their doors open to undocumented students. The report’s author, Anastasia Mann from Rutgers University, wrote about the changes needed in New Jersey. From the NJVoices blog:

Until now, Gov.-elect Chris Christie has backed away from in-state tuition, citing the state’s fiscal woes. In fact, any short-term costs associated with extending resident tuition in New Jersey would easily be recouped in the additional tax revenues college graduates would pay during their first year out of school.

How we resolve this debate will send a message about what matters to the people of New Jersey. Fairness, equal opportunity and hard work have long been central features of the American dream. Even in hard times, New Jersey — home to generations of the foreign born — can hold them high.

Colorado: The main proponent of equal access for students regardless of citizenship status has taken a step back in his promise to push for an in-state tuition bill in 2010.  According to the Denver Post:

A bill to allow illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition won’t go forward in the 2010 session, says the lawmaker who planned to sponsor the legislation.

“I’m going to wait until 2011 to build a larger, broader, more bipartisan coalition of business, religious, legislative and civic leaders,” said Rep. Joe Miklosi.

The article discusses some of the options already in place in Colorado, such as concurrent enrollment. Advocates bow not to give up despite it being an election year.