Rep. Courtney, Congress Pass Bipartisan Higher Education Reform

Press Release

Today, Representative Joe Courtney and the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed H.R. 4137, the Higher Education Opportunity Act. The Higher Education Act, which was last reauthorized ten years ago and expired in 2003, strives to make college more accessible and affordable to students and their families, while also providing greater oversight of the student loan lending industry. The bill passed by a final vote of 380-49 and now heads to the President for his signature.

Courtney praised the legislation for its effectiveness and timeliness. Click here to watch Rep. Courtney speak on behalf of H.R. 4137, the Higher Education Opportunity Act.

"This bipartisan higher education reform will improve access and affordability to college for Connecticut's students, while making it easier for families to plan for their financial needs," stated Courtney. "Tuition at Connecticut's two and four-year institutions are on the rise, but this bill will make sure that those increases are justified so that students aren't squeezed by high bills and debt."

Congressman Joe Courtney was also appointed to serve as a House-Senate Conferee during final negotiation of the bill.

Last year, Congressman Courtney and House Education and Labor Chairman George Miller introduced H.R. 4075, the ACCESS Act, which was included in the Higher Education Opportunity Act. The ACCESS Act expands college access to low-income and first generation college students by building on the success of the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) program. The ACCESS Act encourages states to form new partnerships for need-based grants, as well as mentor students who need financial and academic support.

In addition to the ACCESS Act, The Higher Education Opportunity Act does the following:

* Streamlines the financial aid process—replaces the complicated seven-page Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with a two-page EZ-FAFSA.
* Makes college more affordable for low-income and non-traditional students by allowing students to receive Pell Grant scholarship aid year round
* Holds colleges and universities accountable for their tuition hikes by requiring them to report their reasons for tuition increases.
* Provides students with fair and full information about their borrowing options when taking out and repaying student loans, including the terms and conditions of both federal and private student loans.
* Creates a new scholarship program for active duty military personnel and family members, including children and spouses of active duty military service members or veterans.
* Provides students, professors and colleges with advance information about the price of college textbooks.
* Expands loan forgiveness for a variety of professions.
* Encourages colleges to adopt energy-efficient practices.

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