University of Wisconsin student groups await federal funds after lobbying pays off.
by Taylor Cox
Tuesday, February 17, 2009 00:37
Students across the state voiced their excitement
Monday over the investments made to higher education in the economic
package to be signed into law by President Barack Obama today.
According to the United States Students Association Legislative Director Angela Peoples, the students of Madison made their support of the package known through the United Council.
Peoples
added both Associated Students of Madison and Wisconsin Student Public
Interest Research Group were represented in all direct lobbying, and
added that both groups endorsed making higher education more affordable
for students.
“The strategy was to get a bunch
of student government presidents asking for these provisions, so we did
that across the nation, which is why we were so successful,” WISPIRG
campus organizer Samantha Gibb said. “On campus, one of the [WISPIRG
representatives] met with Brittany Wiegand and recognized that making
college more affordable is something she totally supports.”
The
package invests $17.1 billion in Pell Grants to provide greater
educational opportunity to low to middle-income families and students.
According
to the Rich Williams, higher education associate for the Student
Federation of State Public Interest Research Groups, the investment
will nearly double the current operating budget over the next two years.
The
House and Senate also agreed to make an educational tax credit that is
40 percent refundable so students without a high tax liability or no
tax liability at all will still be able to receive $1,000 back to go
towards their higher education.
“This was extended for the first time to cover textbook supplies,” Williams said.
The
student groups are also applauding the House and Senate for deciding
against increasing the amount students can borrow from federal loans.
Williams
added loan limits contribute to increased student debt that in the
long-run keeps students from taking socially important jobs, such as
teaching.
Higher student debt also causes a delay in home purchases and in getting married, he said.
Williams
noted that a total of over $30 billion is being invested in higher
education to keep students in school during these rough economic times.
“All
in all, this is an incredible investment into higher education, and
students across the country are incredibly excited about it,” Williams
said.
Peoples added the stimulus package is the largest investment in higher education the nation has seen in a very long time.
“It
really shows that the federal government and the officials understand
that educating our students and keeping people in school and having an
educated workforce is one of the main ways we are going to be pulled
out of this crisis,” Peoples said.
