Recognizing the challenges and burdens associated with the rising costs of a college education.

Bill: 114-hconres-10
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Fattah, Chaka [D-PA-2]
Introduced: 2015-01-27
Policy area: Education
Subjects: Higher education

Student aid and college costs

Vocational and technical education
Latest action: action_date: 2015-01-27
text: Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Summaries:
action_date: 2015-01-27
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>Recognizes the challenges and burdens associated with rising college costs.</p> <p>Acknowledges the benefits of community colleges in providing an affordable and cost-effective way to obtain a college degree.</p> <p> Expresses support for the goals and ideals of the America's College Promise proposal.</p> <p>Expresses a commitment to pursuing strategies in the 114th Congress that will make college more affordable and accessible for all students.</p>

tv_txt: IV 114th CONGRESS 1st Session H. CON. RES. 10 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 27, 2015 Mr. Fattah (for himself and Mr. Vargas ) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Recognizing the challenges and burdens associated with the rising costs of a college education.

Whereas a college education is inextricably linked to economic opportunity in the United States and the American Dream; Whereas a college education is integral to the vibrancy and potency of the American workforce; Whereas an estimated 30 percent of job openings will require an associate’s degree or some college by 2020; Whereas the rising costs of higher education are an obstacle to college matriculation and completion; Whereas the Federal student loan debt for all borrowers exceeds $1 trillion; Whereas Federal, State, and local governments are pursuing strategies and innovations which will make higher education more affordable and accessible; Whereas better utilizing our community colleges to address the rising costs of higher education is one such strategy; Whereas there are 1,100 or more community colleges in the United States; Whereas approximately 40 percent of undergraduate students attend a community college; Whereas community colleges provide a cost-effective option to pursuing a college degree; Whereas community colleges offer open admission; Whereas the cost of community college is approximately 50 percent lower than traditional colleges and universities; Whereas the Administration recently highlighted the importance of community colleges through the America’s College Promise proposal and made a significant step in addressing the costs of higher education; Whereas this proposal would provide two years of community college free for hardworking students who are enrolled at least half-time in a community college and maintain a good GPA; Whereas this proposal could benefit approximately 9,000,000 students if all States participate; Whereas an average of $3,800 in tuition per year could be saved for full-time community college students through this proposal; Whereas Congress has a significant role in making college more affordable and accessible; and Whereas Congress can pass legislation which will reduce the rising costs of a college education making college more accessible for all students: Now, therefore, be it

That Congress— (1) recognizes the challenges and burdens associated with the rising costs of a college education; (2) acknowledges the benefits of community colleges in providing an affordable and cost effective way to obtain a college degree; (3) supports the goals and ideals of the America’s College Promise proposal; and (4) commits to pursuing strategies in the 114th Congress which will make college more affordable and accessible for all students.