New tax targets local college students

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Providence Mayor David Cicilline has proposed a new tax that would charge private college students $300.

Mayor Cicilline wants to charge students at Brown University , Rhode Island School of Design , Johnson & Wales , and Providence College a yearly fee to help generate income for the city.

The Mayor has been meeting with officials from the institutions to try and gain support for his proposal.

"I'm committed to finding a solution that protects the taxpayers of this city, and ensures that everyone contributes and pays their fair share for the services that are provided," Mayor Cicilline tells Eyewitness News.

College students say they are already strapped for cash, and that this is not a good time for a new tax.