01/01/09
GEAR UP Architect Responds to Death of Pell Grant Creator

 

12/23/08
Fattah Takes Local Paper to Task on Misinformation

 

12/12/08
A Single Educational Investment; A Double Return

 

12/11/08
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Votes Yes To Support Auto Industry

 

12/11/08
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Calls on Senate Colleagues to Vote in Favor of America's Workers

 

11/24/08
Rep. Fattah Lauds New Obama Economic Team, Promises Close Cooperation With Domestic Advisor Melody Barnes

 

11/20/08
Pennsylvania Lawmaker Says Saving Auto Industry Must be a Priority

 

11/19/08
Chairman of the Congressional Urban Caucus Supports Mayors in Pursuit of Bailout Funds

 


 

 

 



Congressman Chaka Fattah introduces legislation to encourage public service and make college more affordable

Washington, DC – As the 111th Congress convenes on its first day, Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) makes students and public service his number one priority. Fattah, a lifetime advocate for increasing access to affordable college education, and the architect of GEAR UP, will introduce The American Opportunity Tax Credit Act of 2009.

The legislation offers every person seeking a college education the financial opportunity to pursue one and it reflects the call from President-elect Barack Obama for Americans to expand their commitment to public service. In exchange for their investment of 100 hours of public service, students will be eligible to receive a $4,000 refundable tax credit to pay for college.

As proposed by Fattah, millions of families whose incomes are too low to qualify for existing education tax credits will benefit from the program. The credit will be available at the time tuition is due enabling students to immediately apply the benefits to their accounts. Unlike existing tax credits, this educational benefit will be targeted to students who are in the most need.

“We have an opportunity to double our investment. Students invest their time in America and in turn America invests its capital in its students. It’s a win, win for everyone,” Fattah said.

For millions of students cost has become a major barrier in the pursuit of their college education. As tuition costs climb and America’s economy continues its downturn, students have to choose; invest in their education or find immediate employment. It’s a challenge that Fattah believes no student should have to confront.

“A refundable tax credit will not only expand access to higher education, it will instill in students the importance of serving their community and their nation. Above all, it will pay dividends for generations to come,” said Fattah.

Introduced by Congressman Fattah in the 110th: 
 

    H.R. 3317 – GEAR UP Enhancement Act  
       
    The bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to improve and enhance the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP). Read More on HR 3317   

 

    H.R. 2130 – Comprehensive Transform America Transaction Fee Act of 2007  
       
    The bill directs the Secretary of the Treasury to conduct an in-depth study on the implementation of a transaction fee in the United States to replace all existing federal taxes. The bill is currently before the House Committee on Ways and Means. Read More on HR 2130   

 

    H.R. 2373 – Student Bill of Rights  
       
    The legislation calls for the Secretary of Education to make annual determinations as to whether each state's public school system provides all its students with educational resources to succeed academically and in life. Currently, the legislation is being reviewed by the House Committee on Education and Labor.
Read More on HR 2373
 

 

    H. R. 2477 – State Child Well-Being Research Act of 2007  
    The legislation amends Part A (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) (TANF) of Title IV of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to develop comprehensive indicators to assess child well-being in each state. The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Read More on HR 2477 from www.childindicators.com
 

 

 



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