Rep. Miller Statement At Press Conference To Introduce The Student Aid Reward Act

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC -- Rep. George Miller (D-CA) joined Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR), Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI), and students at a press conference today on Capitol Hill to introduce the Student Aid Reward Act, legislation that would boost college scholarships without costing taxpayers a dime by creating more efficiency in the federal student aid program. Miller is the Chairman of the Education and Labor Committee.

Below is a copy of Miller’s statement today.

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Good afternoon. I want to thank Gabe and the other students who have joined us here today to introduce the Student Aid Reward Act, a bill that is a vital part of our plans to make college more affordable.

I also want to thank my House colleague Tom Petri, and Senators Ted Kennedy and Gordon Smith for their strong dedication to this legislation, and for their leadership in addressing one of the greatest concerns facing American families today: the high cost of a college education.

Since 2001, tuition and fees at public colleges and universities have exploded, increasing by 41 percent – after inflation.  Students are graduating with greater amounts of debt than ever before. And nearly 200,000 students each year decide not to go to college because they can’t afford it.

One of our top priorities in the new Congress is to make sure that every qualified student can afford to go to college. I am very proud to say that in just our first month, the House of Representatives has taken critical first steps towards this goal.

We overwhelmingly voted to cut interest rates on federal student loans in half, which will save millions of low- and middle-income students thousands of dollars in interest over the life of their loans. We proposed to significantly raise the maximum Pell Grant scholarship for students most in need – which, if passed, will be the first increase for Pell Grants since 2003. And we introduced a bill that would put a stop to unethical college loan lending practices.

Today we are building on our record of putting students and families first by introducing a bill that would provide a huge boost in student aid without costing taxpayers a dime.

The Student Aid Reward Act is simple: it encourages colleges to use direct loans, the less expensive of the federal government’s two student loan programs. Participating schools would be rewarded with additional Pell Grant scholarship funds and graduate fellowship money for low- and middle-income students – all paid for with the savings generated by the bill.

At time when our federal government is facing an extreme deficit, this is a win-win bill for students, families, and taxpayers.

The Student Aid Reward Act is bipartisan, it’s about helping students in the most need pay for college, and it’s about good, responsible government.

I want to thank the students who have come to Washington from campuses around the country this week to urge Congress to support this bill and to continue to address the college cost crisis. We will make sure your voices are heard.

I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to swiftly pass this bill and send it to the President’s desk.

And as I have said before, this is just the beginning of our efforts to make college more affordable and accessible. Affordable colleges are a key part of strengthening America’s middle class. We must ensure that every student in this country has the opportunity to pursue their dreams.

There is no goal more important for our nation’s students and families, for our economy, and for our future. Thank you.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tom Kiley / Rachel Racusen
2181 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-226-0853