I am writing about the debt deal passed by Congress and the President in early August. Our leaders made many tough decisions. They passed a deal that would start to rein in government spending, and get America’s debt under control. There were a lot of changes in this landmark deal, but one change that went almost unnoticed by the media was the change to America’s student loan program.
The debt deal actually helped strengthen the Pell Grant program. The Pell Grant program helps provide financial assistance to low-income students attending college. Why would Congress and the President invest in college education during a time when everyone is talking about trimming the budget? They made this investment because in America we know that 21st century jobs require a 21st century education. For this and future generations to have a chance at the American Dream they need access to affordable higher education.
We all should applaud Congress and the President for strengthening the Pell Grant program. This is a great success and everyone that voted for the debt deal should be commended for their commitment to allow students to go after the American Dream regardless of their income. However, you will never guess how the President and Congress decided to fund this $21 billion addition to the Pell Grant program.
Did they raise the capital gains tax rate that lets some business men and women pay a lower tax rate than their secretaries? No.
Did they ask millionaires and billionaires to pay a little more to help others reach the American Dream? No.
Did they ask the record breaking profit making corporations that pay little taxes, no taxes, or even the one that actually are subsidized by taxes? No, No, and No.
They did not do any of these things. Instead, they paid for this expansion of the Pell Grant program by cutting funding for graduate student loans. The country needs to make education more affordable for all students, not more affordable for one group of students at the expense of others.
That is why I am asking for Congress and the President to restore funding for graduate student loans. They should not pay for it by taking away expansion of the Pell Grant program. I mentioned just a few ways that the government could pay for the $21 billion that it cut from graduate students. Regardless of exact revenue raising measure the Congress and President use, it is important they take action on this issue to continue to invest in America.
If you agree with me on this I am asking you to please sign my petition and share it with your friends. http://signon.org/...