Congratulations, Mr. President. Now, let ’s get to work.
You made a number of proposals during the campaign in regard to higher education and deemed them of highest priority.
We hope that, by working with Congress, these proposals will become reality for all seeking a college education.
You promised to increase federal financial aid and make it easier for students to apply for aid.
In a speech made Nov. 7, 2007, in Bettendorf, Iowa, you said, “I’ll simplify the financial aid process so that we don’t have a million students who aren’t applying for aid because it’s too difficult. I will start by eliminating the current student aid form altogether; we’ll use tax data instead. ”
You promised to introduce tax credits in exchange for community service worth $4,000 for tuition and fees every year, which will cover two-thirds of the tuition at the average public college or university.
Most students do not want a handout. They simply want to be provided with an opportunity.
You promised to pass legislation that will ensure that high school students will be ready for college so they will succeed.
During the campaign, you said, “We will stop passing bills like No Child Left Behind that leave the money behind and start making real investments in education. ”
You promised that community colleges would better service students’ needs in a changing world by creating a new Community College Partnership Program.
“ I’ll tap the tremendous resource of community colleges, which educate half the undergraduates in this country. We’ll help schools determine what skills and technical education are needed to help local industry. We’ll expand new degrees for emerging fields. And we’ll reward schools that graduate more students.”
You promised to provide funding for Pell Grants and increase the maximum amount awarded each year to account for inflation.
You also proposed to expand the federal work-study program, which will provide students more opportunities for community service.
Mr. President, we have seen so much excitement and anticipation regarding your presidency — excitement this country has not seen for a long time.
We sincerely hope, for the sake of our country, the division that has crippled Congress for so long will come to an end.
We are tired of a Congress that seems to neither have the will nor the courage to do what it takes to move our country forward.
You have said, “I don’t want to settle for anything less than real change, fundamental change, change we need -— change we can believe in.”
We hope these are not just words.
Good luck, Mr. President.
