Welch backs passage of largest student aid increase since 1944 GI Bill, no new cost to taxpayers |
Wednesday, 11 July 2007 16:04 |
Over 10,000 Vermont students expected to benefit from estimated $44 million in new financial aid Washington, DC - Rep. Peter Welch today voted in favor of the largest student aid increase since the GI Bill passed in 1944. The legislation is expected to benefit over 10,000 Vermont students, providing an estimated $44 million in financial aid and cutting interest rates for an average savings of $4,370. The College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, H.R. 2669, passed 273 to 149, and provides nearly $18 billion in financial aid over the next five years, cuts interest rates on student loans, and provides college cost containment incentives. The bill adds no new cost to taxpayers. "This bill will make college more affordable for Vermonters and open the doors of higher education to new generations of college-bound students," said Welch. "Providing badly needed aid to our students, containing college costs, and doing so at no new cost to taxpayers is a real reflection of how priorities can change in Washington." The legislation pays for itself by reducing excessive federal subsidies paid to large lenders in the college loan industry by $19 billion. It also includes nearly $1 billion in federal budget deficit reduction. The legislation:
In addition to providing needed relief to Vermont college students, the legislation also enacts college cost containment measures, including:
President Franklin Roosevelt signed the GI Bill into law in 1944. The original law enabled 7.8 million veterans of the second World War to participate in education or job training programs. The Senate is expected to vote on similar legislation this month. |