[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 56 (Thursday, April 2, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              INTRODUCING THE MAKE COLLEGE AFFORDABLE ACT

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                             HON. RON PAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 2, 2009

  Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, I rise to help millions of Americans afford 
higher education by introducing the Make College Affordable Act of 
2009, which makes college tuition tax deductible. Today the average 
cost of education at a state university is $12,796 per year, and the 
cost of education at a private university is $30,367 per year. These 
high costs have left many middle-class American families struggling to 
afford college for their children, who are often ineligible for 
financial aid. Therefore, middle-class students have no choice but to 
obtain student loans, and thus leave college saddled with massive debt.
  Even families who plan and save well in advance for their children's 
education may have a difficult time because their savings are eroded by 
taxation and inflation. The Make College Affordable Act will help these 
middle-class students by allowing them, or their parents or guardians 
who claim them as dependents, to deduct the cost of college tuition as 
well as the cost of student loan repayments.
  The Make College Affordable Act will also help older or 
nontraditional students looking to improve their job skills or prepare 
for a career change, by pursuing higher education. In today's economy, 
the average American worker can expect to change jobs, and even 
careers, several times during his or her working life, making it more 
important than ever that working Americans be able to devote their 
resources to continuing their educations.
  Helping the American people use their own money to ensure every 
qualified American can receive a college education is one of the best 
investments this Congress can make in the future. I therefore urge my 
colleagues to help strengthen America by ensuring more Americans can 
obtain college educations by cosponsoring the Make College Affordable 
Act.

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