SHOW UP TO SUPPORT HIGHER EDUCATION ACT

Did you know there is currently a $3 billion shortfall in the Pell Grant
program? Before the U.S. Congress right now is the reauthorization of the
Higher Education Act, which establishes many programs that support higher
education on a national level. The HEA funds some of the necessary programs
such as federal grants and federal loans so all students can have equal
access to a higher education. Some of the programs under the HEA are Child
Care Block Grants, campus safety provisions, voter registration provisions,
federal grants and federal loans.

The ASUO has teamed up with its national partner, the United States Student
Association, in an ongoing campaign to gain awareness on all campuses about
the reauthorization of the HEA. The USSA is also pressuring members of
Congress to increase grants, maintain loan limits, eliminate loan
origination fees, fully repeal the drug-related question on the FAFSA
application, preserve good programs such as the TRIO programs, and increase
support for child care.

At noon today in the EMU Fir Room, the ASUO is having a press conference to
educate and mobilize support from members of the community. Members from the
congressional offices of Rep. Peter DeFazio, Sen. Gordon Smith and Sen. Ron
Wyden are going to be attending the press conference to show support for the
ASUO campaign and also for reauthorization of the HEA. Students who are
directly affected by the HEA also are speaking at the press conference
because they are the ones who need the provisions to pass. This bipartisan
coalition will work to benefit all students because all students are somehow
affected by the HEA. Show your support for the HEA and the ASUO campaign by
showing up.

It is necessary that all students begin to realize that it is necessary to
increase funding for federal grants such as the Pell Grant so more students
can graduate debt-free. All students need to support the ASUO by signing the
yellow postcards stating that you urge Congress to reauthorize the HEA and
increase funding for federal grants. By stopping in the ASUO office and
filling out a postcard, you can have your voice heard when the ASUO hand
delivers these postcards to members of Congress on the National Student
Lobby Day on March 11, 2003.

As a recipient of federal grants, I realize the importance of gaining
awareness and urging congressional leaders to fund higher education
programs. There needs to be an increase in federal grants so students do not
have to graduate with enormous amounts of debt.

Let's stop inhibiting students obtaining a higher education by limiting the
amount of grants they receive or worse, by prohibiting them from receiving
and aid because of a drug conviction. Let's increase child care for
nontraditional students who cannot afford child care yet want a better
education.

It is about time congressional leaders hear students. Equal access for all.
Higher education is a right!