Paying For College

To the editor:

While students are going to class and working hard, far too many still worry about how to pay for their higher education. A college or technical degree is vitally important for a high paying job, yet more expensive than ever.

We have to do whatever it takes so that our American workforce can continue to compete with workers across the globe.

Last month, I proudly voted for the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007. This bill passed the House with wide bipartisan support. It will provide the single largest investment in higher education since the GI Bill -- allowing more qualified students to go to college by cutting the financial burden on them and their families.

The typical debt carried by a student at a four-year college in Pennsylvania is nearly $14,000. More than 211,000 students rely on need-based aid in Pennsylvania every year.

The College Cost Reduction Act boosts Pell Grants and cuts interest rates on college loans in half. This legislation also provides upfront tuition assistance for excellent undergraduate students who agree to teach in public schools and loan forgiveness for college graduates who go into public service.

By eliminating exorbitant subsidies to lending companies, this bill costs taxpayers nothing and is not only fully paid for, but even provides $750 million in federal deficit reduction.

Patrick J. Murphy

U.S. Congress Bristol Twp., Pa.