Raises Pell Grants, eases loan repayments, & funds community colleges

Changes paid for by eliminating $68 billion in fees to banks

By Miriam Raftery

April 3, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) – Most Americans don’t realize that the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act signed into law on March 30th by President Barack Obama affects more than the health care industry.  It also brings sweeping change to the federal student loan program. Obama termed this “one of the most significant investments in higher education since the G.I. Bill.”

Under the new law, the federal government will stop paying fees to private banks to act as middlemen on loans to students. The measure will save the U.S. government nearly $68 million over the next 11 years—money that will be invested in more Pell Grants made directly to students.  The new law will also make it easier for students to repay loans after graduating. In addition, $2 billion will be invested in community colleges for education and career training programs.

January 28, 2008 (El Cajon) – “Tonight is a most difficult meeting,” GUHSD Superintendent Bob Collins told those present this evening at a special governing board budget workshop. Citing funding cuts from the state plaguing school districts throughout the state, he warned of a growing budget gap.

“The current district surplus will be fully consumed in solving this crisis—and it will not be enough.” He predicted, “It will be gone by the end of the year—and things are going to get worse.”

State's schools, once top in nation, now rank at bottom as budget cuts ravage K-12 and higher education

By Miriam Raftery

December 23, 2009 (Sacramento) – The Obama administration has challenged states to compete for federal “Race to the Top” (RTT) education funds aimed at improving under-performing K-12 schools. California is eligible for $300-$700 million of those funds—provided the Legislature and Governor can agree on changing state laws by January 19, 2010 to qualify for the funding.

By Walter Davis
 
December 23, 2009 (San Diego)--Richard struggles with the large blue recycling receptical in his effort to find plastic bottles or treasured aluminum cans to fetch money to help put his child through college. Employed, he is an honorable man; he is honest, caring, devoted – determined to provide the best for his family. He never imagined he would be going through his neighbors’ trash to support his child in school.

 
 As Controversy Grows, Ex-First Lady Laura Bush Defends Presidential Address to Students

by Gayle Early

A special Board meeting convened on Labor Day to debate airing the President’s live broadcast. In a 3-2 vote, the majority voted to censor today's speech, citing concerns that it was “unconstitutional,” “indoctrination,” and “inappropriate.” The move sparked outrage and a call to oust school board members from some parents and students, who interrupted their holiday weekend to urge that the Board air the President's speech, which they they view as inspirational to students across America. WATCH LIVE HERE  at 9 a.m. or READ THE FULL TEXT:

La Mesa (September 8, 2009)—President Obama, in a live broadcast, will address school children across America today at 9:00 a.m. about the importance of working hard, setting goals, and taking responsibility for their learning. In the words of Dr. Cyndi Sutton, Principal of Parkway Middle School in a letter sent to parents Friday, September 4th,  “He will also call for a shared responsibility and commitment on the part of students, parents, and educators to ensure that every child in every school receives the best education possible, so they can compete in the global economy for good jobs and live rewarding and productive lives as American citizens.”

Obama’s “back-to-school” pep talk encourages kids to persist and succeed in school, but students at Parkway Middle and many other local schools will not get the message, at least today.