The cost of attending college has risen dramatically in New York. According to a report released by Weiner’s office last year, the cost of tuition at SUNY and CUNY schools has increased 30% over the last 4 years – from $3,766 during the 2001-2002 academic year to $4,895 during the 2005-2006 academic year.

The College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 provides a number of measures that will make college more affordable to low and working class families:

· Increases the maximum Pell Grant a student can receive. Currently, the maximum loan a student can receive is $4,310, this new legislation increases the maximum loan by $500 by 2012.

· Provides student loan forgiveness for those who elect to serve in areas of national need, such as nurses, librarians, child welfare workers, early childhood educators and public sector employees.

· Encourages states to maintain higher education funding by penalizing any states that withhold funds designated to the states by the Higher Education Act of 1965.

“We have only one choice when it comes to providing funds for our young people for college, and that is to deliver,” said Rep. Weiner. “Pell grants enable thousands of kids to go to college ever year, and this legislation will go a long way towards ensuring the affordability of college for everyone.”

This past January, Rep. Weiner co-sponsored the College Relief Act of 2007 which slashed student loan interest rates in half.

Congressman Anthony D. Weiner