Forwarded from ASMC on
March 18, 1997
Making Higher Education More Affordable
The President and Congress agree that education is a top legislative priority. A key part of that priority is making college more accessible and affordable for American families so our young people can compete in the ever-changing global economy.
Average costs for four-year colleges have risen almost 200 percent over the last 20 years and 36 percent over the last 5 years. As tuition rises faster than the cost of living, it is important to find ways to make college more accessible to all students.
Congress is now reviewing the President's budget, which includes several
higher education proposals.
Pell Grants
Pell grants are the key access tool for needy students. By providing critical aid to nearly 4 million low-income students, these grants extend educational opportunity to those who might not otherwise go to college. The President's proposal would increase the maximum grant from its current $2700 to $3000. The proposal also expands Pell grant eligibility to an additional 200,000 students.
The Hope Scholarship
The Hope Scholarship would provide middle-class families with a $1500 tax credit for two years of college. The credit would be available for the second year only if the student maintained a B average or better.
Tax Deduction for Tuition
As an alternative to the Hope Scholarship, middle-class families could deduct up to $5,000 for tuition payments. In 1999, the deduction would be increased to $10,000.
Here's What You Can Do!
Help spread the word; work with friends to distribute this alert in your community.
Call your senators and representative at 202/224-3121 and urge them to support increasing access to college for all Americans.
For more information on these alerts: CALL 1-800-608-5286
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please call 707-255-9265
or send e-mail to ECVA97A@prodigy.com.
Copyright Mendocino College Eagle 1997
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited.