[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 39 (Thursday, March 22, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBAL COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY LOAN FORGIVENESS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DARLENE HOOLEY

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 22, 2001

  Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon. Mr. Speaker, one of the reasons I am here today 
as a member of Congress is that I was inspired by some excellent 
professors as a college student.
  These professors taught me new ways of looking at the world, and 
kindled an excitement about learning that still burns today. Where all 
of my professors helped me acquire knowledge common to liberal arts 
students of my era, these select few not only taught me, but also 
ignited my passion for public service.
  This nation is blessed with many excellent professors, but one sector 
of higher education has a harder time than others attracting the best 
and the brightest. This sector is the tribal college and university 
system.
  The average salary for teachers at tribal colleges and universities 
is approximately $25,000--one-half that of the salary of a teacher at a 
state college or university.
  A sad consequence of these low salaries is that tribal colleges and 
universities are a training ground for new teachers to get their feet 
wet; they make short stops before moving on to better paying jobs at 
other colleges and universities. As a result, the students suffer from 
both a lack of good teachers and good curriculum.
  The Tribal College and University Loan Forgiveness Act gives tribal 
colleges and universities a tool to attract and keep excellent teachers 
despite the salary gap.
  By providing loan forgiveness, tribal colleges and universities can 
bring something additional to the negotiation table. Teachers who 
commit to working in a tribal college or university that have Direct, 
Perkins, or Guaranteed Loans that are not in default, are eligible for 
loan forgiveness for up to five years. Total loan forgiveness will be 
provided for up to $15,000 in the aggregate of the loans the student 
currently has.
  Tribal colleges and universities, teachers, and students will all 
benefit from this bill. Furthermore, the Native American communities 
who send their tribal members to these institutions also benefit.
  Tribal colleges and universities not only prepare students for jobs 
both on and off the reservations, but they also offer programs to the 
local communities such as adult education, local economic development, 
and remedial and high school equivalency programs.
  The passage of this bill, with bipartisan support, will help these 
institutions continue their work of not only educating, but bringing 
out the very best of tribal students and communities.

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