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Education is an investment in the future of our country and I will continue to make sure we are giving schools, teachers, students and parents every resource to ensure a successful education and a successful next generation. The 109th Congress has been marked by significant achievements on behalf of U.S. students at all levels. The following are some of the achievements of the 109th Congress on behalf of U.S. students, as outlined by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
Giving college students access to more financial aid. To better reflect current student need, Congress increased Stafford loan limits for first- and second-year college students. These limits, last adjusted in 1986 and 1992, respectively, are now set at $3,500 for first year students and $4,500 for second-year students. Congress also slashed from as much as four percent to one percent loan fees so students can keep more of what they borrow.
Establishing new grant aid for low- and middle-income college students. Congress established Academic Competitiveness Grants to reward low-income, high achieving high school students heading into college. Congress also established SMART Grants to reward low-income, high achieving students pursuing degrees in math, science, and critical foreign languages in their third and fourth years in college.
Continuing a commitment to federal education resources. Congress again has committed unprecedented levels of federal education dollars. This year, states and local school districts will receive $23.3 billion in federal funds to help implement the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) a one-third increase in funding since President Bush signed NCLB into law. Title I aid for disadvantaged students, the cornerstone of NCLB, has increased forty-five percent since NCLB was signed into law. For higher education, the commitment is just as strong, with some $90 billion in federal resources provided to students this year nearly triple what it was just a decade ago. Included is an annual $13 billion congressional commitment for low- and middle-income students receiving Pell Grants.
Making 529 college savings plans permanent. Congress extended the features of highly-popular college savings plans commonly referred to as 529 plans which had been set to expire in 2010. These 529 college savings plans allow parents to invest after-tax dollars in state-sponsored funds, and earnings on the investment are free from federal taxes, as are distributions when used to help pay for college.
Strengthening career and technical education programs. Congress has reauthorized the highly-popular Perkins Career and Technical Education program. The renewal of the Perkins Act, which serves secondary and postsecondary students, will help states better utilize federal funds for secondary and postsecondary vocational education programs; increase accountability and emphasizing student achievement; and strengthen opportunities for coordination between secondary and postsecondary career and technical education.
Permanently expanding student loan relief for high demand teachers. Building on efforts in recent years to help schools recruit and retain highly qualified teachers in key subjects, Congress has more than tripled from $5,000 to $17,500 the maximum amount of loan relief for highly qualified math, science, and special education teachers who commit to teaching in high-need K-12 schools for five years.
These achievements are not the only accomplishments of the 109th Congress for education. One of my focuses, while serving in Congress, is to give more students the opportunity to attend college. I have formed a higher education task force in the state and have worked to protect programs like TRIO and GEAR UP that are especially vital to Oklahoma students. I will continue to work to make sure our nation's students have every opportunity for a successful education. |
