Statement of Chris Lindstrom, Higher Education Program Director on the Passage of H.R. 3221
WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 – Christine Lindstrom, U.S. PIRG Higher Education Program Director, released the following statement on the passage of the higher education bill authored by Chairman George Miller (D-CA), chair of the U.S. House Education and Labor committee, which passed by a vote of 253-171:
“U.S. PIRG praises the U.S. House of Representatives for passing H.R. 3221 - the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009. Federal aid programs have failed to keep pace with the financial realities of family incomes and college costs, placing an excessive burden on families of modest means and hindering student opportunity.
“This historic investment in student aid profoundly increases the benefits of federal student aid programs. In particular, this legislation ensures that the Pell grant increases each year in accordance with the cost of living - instilling confidence in college financing for students of modest means for years to come. In addition, H.R. 3221 will significantly open the doors of community college to students across the nation seeking to attain higher education.
“This legislation helps renew the promise of student aid programs for the tens of millions of students who rely on grants, loans, and access to community college to achieve a college education. We look forward to working with the Senate, and in conference committee to further strengthen this bill."
