[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 80 (Monday, May 15, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1038]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  TRIBUTE TO STANLEY G. TATE AND THE FLORIDA PREPAID COLLEGE PROGRAM: 
             COLLEGE EDUCATION FUNDING MODEL FOR THE NATION

                                 ______


                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 15, 1995
  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, in 1987, the Florida Legislature 
created the Florida Prepaid Postsecondary Education Expense Program to 
allow families to prepay college tuition and housing expenses for their 
children at a lower rate than the projected costs at the time of 
enrollment.
  As a member of the Florida State Senate, I strongly supported this 
innovative program to help parents assure quality college educations 
for their children.
  A driving force behind the program, and a key reason for its 
outstanding success, is the chairman of the board of the Florida 
Prepaid Postsecondary Education Expense Program, Stanley G. Tate. Mr. 
Tate has worked tirelessly in the legislature, in our Dade County 
community, and in our State to make this program the model for the 
Nation that it is today. His guidance, expertise and energy has helped 
make the program what it is today.
  As of this year, the Florida Prepaid College Program has a surplus of 
$106 million--which continues to increase--with net assets in excess of 
$1 billion. Over 325,000 contracts have been sold, assuring Florida 
youngsters fully paid tuition when they are ready to go to college. 
Once again, the program has been declared actuarially sound by its 
auditors.
  Of particular importance to me is the steps that are being taken to 
increase awareness of and participation in the program in minority 
communities throughout the State. Advertising in minority markets has 
been increased, and minority participation is at its highest level 
ever. In addition, the Florida Prepaid College Foundation's Project 
STARS [Scholarship Tuition for At-Risk Students] has received matching 
funding of $1 million from the State of Florida to provide college 
scholarships for economically disadvantaged students. The $1 million 
will be combined with $1 million in private sector donations to provide 
950 scholarships for such students throughout the State.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute the Florida Prepaid Postsecondary Education 
Expense Board and commend this excellent program to my colleagues for 
their consideration.


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