House Republicans Vote Against Alabama College Students
Democrats Support Largest Student Aid Increase Since WWII
Montgomery – Yesterday, the Democratic House of Representatives passed the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, and, despite the veto threat from President Bush, are working to make a college education more affordable. Alabama Democratic Representatives Bud Cramer and Artur Davis again stood up for college students and helped pass the greatest expansion of college aid since World War II. Alabama’s Congressional Democrats have a history of fighting to make higher education more accessible, dating back to the days of Representative Carl Elliot.
This legislation will bring $258 million in student aid to Alabama over a five year period and will help over 116,000 Alabamians afford college. The Reduction Act would also cut loan rates from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent.
Instead of voting to help our students attend college, Alabama’s Republican House members sided with the corporate interests that fund their campaigns. “Once again, Alabama’s five Republican Congressmen have proven their interests do not lie with the hard working families of our state. Instead of making it easier for college students to get a quality education, they have again voted for the special interests and the big money” said Jesse McDaniel, Alabama Democratic Party spokesman.
“It’s really no surprise that Alabama’s Republican House members cast yet another vote against college students. It’s traditionally been the Democratic Party that has helped students afford college and we’ll be looking to hold the GOP accountable next fall” said Art Richey, president of the Alabama College Democrats. “I applaud Congressmen Cramer and Davis for supporting legislation that will help more young Alabamians make their dreams a reality through an affordable college education.”
Aderholt, Bachus, Bonner, Everett, and Rogers Voted Against $18 Billion in College Student Aid. [House Vote #613, 7/11/07]
