Congresswoman Gwen Moore's Statement on Reauthorization of Higher Education Opportunity Act

Statement

Congresswoman Gwen Moore's Statement on Reauthorization of Higher Education Opportunity Act

Congresswoman Gwen Moore released the following statement on the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, HR4137, which passed the U.S. House earlier later today.

"College costs have skyrocketed in recent years, and the benefits of a college education are out of reach for far too many of our nation's young people. When new freshmen walk into a college bookstore and drop upwards of $500 for a semester's worth of books, it is obviously going to put a burden on them and their families."

"The original Higher Education Act was created to ensure that all students, regardless of their family disposition or economic hardships, have access to a quality and affordable college education. In this new global economy we must understand that education is not only our great equalizer, but a component that is key to our nation's economic future which is why it is imperative that Congress act to make sure that a college degree is accessible for those who want it."

"With the passage of this measure, parents and students will be given better access to information about the true costs of attending a particular college or university, including suspected tuition hikes, hidden fees, and textbook costs. It authorizes year-round Pell grants, so that students who want to can attend classes in the summer and finish their degrees more quickly. And, it significantly simplifies the FAFSA forms that students must fill out to receive federal student aid."

The President is not expected to veto this legislation.

Source