A new education initiative proposed by Gov. Bill Haslam will make it tough for graduating high school seniors in Tennessee to find an excuse not to further their education.

During his recent State of the State address, the Republican governor unveiled a plan to allow them to attend two years of community college or a college of applied technology free of tuition and fees.

Haslam’s speech included details of his $32.6 billion state spending proposal and a rundown of some of his top legislative priorities for the year. His new education initiative was undoubtedly the highlight of his address, drawing praise from Republicans and Democrats, as well as state education officials.