Congressional Black Caucus gives high mark to higher education legislation

Education is literally the difference between surviving and thriving for working class Americans. Congress’ adoption today of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act will ensure that access to education is a reality for all,” remarked Congresswoman Carolyn C. Kilpatrick (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) on today’s passage of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act. The CBC joined an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to approve final legislation that expands access to college to working families and the disabled, makes textbooks more affordable, and increases college aid to veterans and their families. It will also simplify the federal student aid application process.

“This historic bill will:

Expand access to college and provides1 unprecedented financial support for working class families, the disabled and historically black colleges and universities;
Strengthen counseling services that focus on helping low-income and minority students remain in school and graduate;
Increase college aid and support for veterans and military families, and
Support the renovation of campuses in need of improvement,”
“Today we have made an invaluable investment in our future. This bill will help our children and grand children excel in the world community. Our universities and colleges have produced some of the brightest minds and pragmatic leaders. The CBC will continue to work with them and fight for them, ” stated Chairwoman Kilpatrick.

“HBCUs have played and continue to play an integral role in furthering the education of Black students in America,” said U.S. Rep. Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA), the Co-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Education Taskforce. “Unfortunately, these institutions face increasing challenges and have limited resources. I am very pleased with the historical investment to HBCUs that the College Cost Reduction and Access Act will provide. It is a much-needed step in the right direction and will go a long way toward helping HBCUs continue to provide a quality education to our nation’s youth.”

“As a graduate of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, I and my brothers, sisters, nephews, cousins and friends know firsthand the opportunities provided by HBCUs, especially to low-income African American students,” said U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL), the Co-Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Education Taskforce. “Chairman George Miller and the Committee on Education and Labor are to be commended for this outstanding bill.”