Washington, DC (March 30, 2006) – Yesterday, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) voted for H.R. 609, the “College Access and Opportunities Act.”  H.R. 609 restores funding for many programs vital to the 15th District that were either eliminated or drastically cut in the President’s proposed budget, including: GEAR Up and TRIO programs.  The bill passed by a vote of 221-199.

Included in the legislation was an amendment introduced by Congressman Hinojosa to allow for $59 million in funding for graduate programs at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) to meet the advanced education needs of the nation’s youngest and largest ethnic population. 

“Hispanics comprise the largest minority group in the United States,” said Hinojosa.  “However, they lag behind in graduation rates and higher education attainment.  Providing Hispanics with opportunities to further their educational careers and attain advanced degrees is something that needs to be promoted and encouraged for the future prosperity of our country.”

Specifically, the amendment will establish a competitive grant programs for HSIs that offer post-baccalaureate degrees to increase graduate opportunities for Hispanics and to expand and enhance the post-baccalaureate offerings at HSIs.  Grants will support graduate fellowships and support services for graduate students, facilities improvement, faculty development, technology and distance education, and collaborative arrangements with other universities.

HSIs enroll more than half of all Hispanic students pursuing postsecondary education and are a critical point of access to higher education for Hispanic Americans.  Current law only provides support for two-year and four-year institutions and do not provide support for graduate programs. 

In addition, the “College Access and Opportunities Act” restores funding for college readiness programs like GEAR Up and TRIO to FY2005 levels.  In the budget proposed by President Bush to Congress, these programs were either eliminated or drastically reduced.

“Investment in human capital is key to the success of our nation,” said Hinojosa.  “And while this bill is a step in the right direction, we still have a long way to go.  We must address the soaring costs of college and ensure that the dream of higher education does not die because of soaring tuition and a lack of student aid.”