Tall Orders for Higher Ed
Federal cuts to student aid, coupled with rising tuition costs, may put college out of reach, said NEA members in March, in testimony before the Commission on the Future of Higher Education.
In December, Congress slashed student aid by $12.7 billion over five years. Subsequently, Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings put together the commission to produce a report this summer on the future of higher education, including access and affordability.
“We need to make sure that opportunities for higher education are available to all students,” testified Catherine A. Boudreau, Massachusetts Teachers Association president. “That includes students of color, first-generation college students, and working parents. If [not]...then students, the economy, and society as a whole will suffer.”
Bipartisan Budget Hope
Senators overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan budget amendment in March, adding $7 billion to education and health programs. Offered by Senators Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Arlen Specter (R-PA), it takes steps to reverse last year’s devastating cuts. “It’s a positive sign that... bipartisan lawmakers may come to the aid of students, parents, and public schools,” said NEA President Reg Weaver.
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