September 7, 2007

Congress Gives Final Nod to Legislation Making College More Affordable

NEA Leaders Applaud Efforts to Help Ensure No One is Denied Access to Higher Education

WASHINGTON--Congress today approved the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 helping to make the dream of higher education a reality for most low- and middle-income students. The legislation, which has yet to be signed by President Bush, would implement several student loan program reforms designed to eliminate waste and mismanagement and also: 

- Increase the Pell Grant program by $12 billion
- Cut interest rates on subsidized student loans in half; 
- Create new TEACH grants to provide financial support for those entering the teaching profession and
- Create an Asian American and Pacific Islander Higher Education Serving Institution designation. 

The following statement can be attributed to Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association, and Anthony Daniels, chair of the NEA Student Program:

“This legislation is so important for the teaching profession,” said Weaver.  “We are losing talented college and university students who want to teach and would make wonderful educators but can’t afford to enter the classroom because of staggering student loan debt and low pay. Our students and public schools can’t afford to lose those who would make good teachers.  I urge President Bush to sign this legislation into law and help us ensure all children have great public schools.”

“I am living proof that this legislation is needed,” said Daniels. “After completing my undergraduate education, I owed more in student loans than I was scheduled to make as a starting teacher. Unfortunately, my situation is not unique but, in fact, is becoming the norm. We need this legislation, and I urge President Bush to sign it into law. ”

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee
organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education
faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.