This week, the House of Representatives is expected to vote on H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009, also referred to as the “Student Aid Bill”, which passed out of committee in late July by a vote of 30-17. Some experts contend that H.R. 3221 is historically the single largest investment in higher education that will significantly reduce loan debt burden for college graduates.
Highlights of the bill:
- $40 billion to expand the Pell grant program that aids low income students
- $10 billion to help community colleges increase enrollment and enable students to obtain a higher education
- $8 billion to help states improve early learning programs for children from birth to age 5
- $2 billion for historically black colleges and universities and other minority serving institutions
These investments are paid for by cutting excessive lender subsidies and redirecting those funds toward higher education.
Action Needed:
Please call your Representative today and urge them to vote “yes” to pass the Student Aid Bill, H.R. 3221. Let them know that the proposed increased investments in higher education will make it easier for students to afford an education in social work. If enacted into law, this bill will ultimately forge a path to attract more social workers into the field, especially in underserved practice areas, such as child welfare and school social work, so that children and families can receive the services that they need.
Thanks for your advocacy.
Nancy McFall Jean, MSW
