Legislation to aid WSU and other urban universities

WASHINGTON—U.S. Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-Goddard) today voted for the adoption of the conference report on the College Opportunity and Affordability Act (H.R. 4137). This compromise legislation reached by the House and Senate contains many provisions supporting postsecondary education including teacher training and retainment, loan forgiveness for service in areas of national need, and increased federal grants and loans. It also authorizes support for programs that enable disadvantaged students to complete secondary school and enter and complete college.

"This bipartisan bill takes significant steps to make the dream of a college education a reality for America’s young people," said Tiahrt. "More academic assistance will be provided to students who were in foster care or who experienced homelessness. This will have a positive and long-lasting impact on many young people giving them hope for a brighter future.

"Wichita State University and other urban-serving universities will be eligible for grants to coordinate, evaluate, and disseminate solutions to key urban problems related to education, community revitalization, and health and quality of life.

"I am also pleased the bill includes promotion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. Success in these areas is critical to the continued economic dominance the United States currently enjoys, and it will help Kansas students keep pace with their international counterparts."

The House passed the College Opportunity and Affordability Act on February 7, 2008, by a vote of 354-58. The Senate passed its version of the Higher Education Reauthorization Act on July 24, 2007. Following House and Senate negotiations, the Senate agreed to the House version of the legislation and filed a conference report July 29, 2008. President Bush is expected to sign the legislation into law.

The House voted today to pass this bi-partisan conference report to H.R. 4137 by a vote of 380-49.