[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 93 (Thursday, June 8, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  DON'T CUT FINANCIAL AID TO STUDENTS

                                 ______


                         HON. EDWARD J. MARKEY

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 8, 1995
  Mr. MARKEY. Mr. Speaker, recently I received a letter from a young 
woman in my district. She brought up some very good reasons why 
Republicans should not cut Federal funding for student financial 
assistance.
  She said: ``College is the best investment in America's future.'' I 
agree. That only way to insure that America prospers tomorrow is to 
make education and training available to our Nation's children and 
young adults today. These ill-considered Republican budget cuts are a 
short-sighted move that will limit America's future.
  While graduates may earn more over their lifetime than nongraduates, 
they do so because they master specialized skills and knowledge 
demanded in our complex and dynamic economy. While graduates may earn 
more money than non-graduates, they don't have money to pay tuition and 
other expenses this year, before they enter or complete college. The 
small amount of Federal financial aid provided through interest 
subsidies and grants are essential to allow many students to attend 
colleges and universities.
  In the words of the same young woman: ``The opportunity to go to 
college is a privilege that should be everyone's right. Every student 
with the ability and the determination to work for a college education 
should have that opportunity. But suggested cuts in student aid 
programs would make financing a college education more difficult for 
average Americans.''
  She is right. Not only would the cuts mean that post-secondary 
education would be more difficult to obtain for so-called average or 
middle-class Americans. These cuts would also make it virtually 
impossible for less privileged Americans to gain access to a post-
secondary education.
  While we must balance the budget, it is penny-wise and pound foolish 
to skimp on one of the most important investments we can make--the 
education of young people or the continuing education of adults.
  This young women from my district and her peers are tomorrow's work 
force. We must give them the tools they will need--and we all will 
need--to compete and succeed in the global marketplace of the 21st 
century.
  I ask unanimous consent that a copy of the letter be inserted in the 
Record.

     Hon. Edward Markey,
     U.S. House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Congressman: College is the best investment in 
     America's future, I urge you to support continued funding for 
     college loan and student aid programs.
       A college education means increased opportunity--
     opportunity to advance in a career, to earn more, and to 
     contribute more to the economy and to society.
       The opportunity to go to college is a privilege that should 
     be everyone's rights, Every student with the ability and the 
     determination to work for a college education should have 
     that opportunity. But suggested cuts in student aid programs 
     would make financing a college education more difficult for 
     average Americans.
       Please don't cut our future short. Don't cut student aid.
           Sincerely,
                                               Erica Martin-Doyle.
     

                          ____________________