Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen Helps Students Afford College

 

As a former educator and Florida certified teacher with a Masters from Florida International University in Education and a doctorate from the University of Miami in Education, I recognize the challenges that face our students. Of the many issues students and parents have to contend with on a daily basis, one that they should never have to worry about is how to pay for a college education.  Students need to be assured that we will support them in their pursuit of an affordable and practical higher education.

I recently voted for and the House Passed the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act. This bill will make college affordability the focus for our federal loans and eliminate wasteful subsidies to financial institutions, saving taxpayers money while getting more kids to college.

The use of a Direct Loan program will make college dramatically more affordable by while still serving students with essentially the same terms and conditions, but at much lower cost for taxpayers. This program would use lower-cost Federal capital and the Department of Education would hire nonprofits and private companies, selected through a competitive contracting process, to provide the best services for students at the lowest cost.

The bill would also:

• Increase award amounts for Pell Grants over next ten years.

• Increase in funds available to those applying for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Simplify the FAFSA application process

• Allows for an increase in funding for veterans’ education.

• Reduces deficit spending by $13.3 billion over 2009-2013 period, and $7.8 billion over 2009-2019 period.

I am a product of the Florida public school system. From my time at Southwest Senior High School to receiving my Bachelors degree and my Masters degree at Florida International University.  I am infinitely grateful for the support I received while in school and I am sure that I would not be the same person without it. 

I never forgot these lessons, and during my time in the Florida legislature, I helped create the Florida Prepaid College Plan.

The Florida Prepaid College Plan allows parents to lock in the cost of college when they began paying into the program. I fully understand the economic hardships that parents endure in order to try to provide their children a quality education. This is an excellent way for families to save so that their children can receive a quality college education.

I am certain that with Florida Prepaid and the benefits of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, more students will be able to attend college and become well equipped to face tomorrows challenges head-on. 

Sincerely,

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Member of Congress