Press Release - Congresswoman Laura Richardson

For Immediate Release
September 17, 2009

Contact: Jeff Billington
(202) 225-7924

Congresswoman Richardson Applauds House's Passing
of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009

WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Laura Richardson voted on behalf of Long Beach City College (LBCC), California State University (CSU) Long Beach, CSU Dominguez Hills and El Camino College Compton Center (ECCC) to make quality education and training more accessible to tens of thousands of residents of the 37^th Congressional District and millions more across the nation. The U.S. House of Representatives, in a 253 to 171 vote, passed the sweeping educational funding reform bill, The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009 (HR 3221).

“I proudly voted for this bill which will lighten the burden placed on Americans of all ages who are striving to learn the skills necessary to obtain jobs so that they can fully care for their families,” Congresswoman Richardson said. “I see the impact of this legislation as an opportunity for everyone from the schoolyard to the workplace to achieve their dreams for improving and enhancing their education without being forced to drown in years of debt.

“In the 37^th Congressional District, where 26,838 students will be eligible for a Pell Grant award in the 2010-2011 academic year, this legislation will invest more than $130.5 million to increase the maximum annual Pell Grant scholarship to $5,550 in 2010 and to $6,900 by 2019,” Congresswoman Richardson added. “These funds will afford parents the chance to say ‘yes’ to the next step instead of a disappointing ‘we cannot afford for you to go to school.’”

The bill increases access to quality education and training for students from pre-school to college and in traditional academic settings and adult skills and training classes. It achieves this by converting all federal loans to the more stable and accessible Direct Loan system. The rates on federal loans will also be lower and because of this legislation the availability and amounts of grants and scholarships will be increased.

The legislation will also provide $3 billion to support development and cooperation between community colleges and adult learning and skills programs to build a powerful 21^st Century workforce. Additionally, California community colleges, like LBCC and ECCC in the 37^th Congressional District, which often serve the most students with the fewest resources, will receive $408 million to modernize aged facilities. Finally, to ensure students are properly prepared for beginning the educational experience, the bill works to reform state standards and funding structures for pre-kindergarten learning programs.

“This landmark bill provides access to education for the people of the 37^th Congressional District, giving many of them the first real hope of achieving the 21^st Century job preparation and quality education they need to be active participants in our economy,” Congresswoman Richardson said. “I look forward to sharing in the success that is sure to follow as minds and abilities are expanded through the opportunities this bill offers.”

Congresswoman Richardson is a Democrat from California’s 37^th Congressional District. She is a member of the House Committees on Transportation & Infrastructure and Homeland Security. Her district includes Long Beach, Compton, Carson, Watts, Willowbrooke and Signal Hill.

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Congresswoman Richardson Applauds House's Passing of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009

Congresswoman Richardson Applauds House's Passing
of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009