Issue Position: Making College Affordable

Issue Position

"For too many Vermonters, the tools to succeed in today's economy are simply out of reach. In order to expand the opportunity created by a college education, Congress must continue to increase financial aid to students. At the same time, institutions of higher learning must do their part to bring costs under control and ensure that ever-increasing college costs are not outpacing the ability of middle class families to afford them. Only through the combination of controlling college costs and increasing aid will we succeed in making higher education more affordable to Vermonters."

In an effort to gather feedback about the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (H.R. 3221), Rep. Welch convened a financial aid roundtable with Vermont students, educators and parents at Vermont Technical College in September 2009. Following the meeting, Welch successfully amended the legislation to ensure non-profit lenders like the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation can continue providing valuable services like college counseling, career placement and financial aid. The bill, which passed the House later that month, provides the single largest investment in college financial aid in history, expands early education opportunities and supports community colleges.

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