Washington, Mar 30 -

Rep. Jim Gerlach joined in voting today to expand access to higher education for lower income students. The House overwhelmingly approved H.R. 609, the College Access and Opportunity Act, by a 221-199 vote.

“It’s vital to our nation’s long-term success and improvement to give every student, regardless of economic or social standing, an equal chance at going to college and achieving their dreams,” Congressman Jim Gerlach said.

Among other things, the College Access and Opportunity Act will do the following:

· Provide additional Pell Grant assistance for high-achieving first- and second-year college students;

· Increase funding for institutions that primarily serve minorities, such as historically black colleges and universities and historically black graduate institutions;

· Shine a spotlight on excessive tuition hikes; and

· Strengthen international and foreign-language study programs in the post-9/11 era.

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