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Students in Need of Action and Vision - August 10, 2010
It read “Students Over Banks.”
The headline on the Obama Administration’s website simply defined a
priority the president has long chided as one of the utmost important
to this country’s future. Regardless, for students, the situation at
our colleges and universities across the country has long been
untenable.
USSA Stands in Solidarity with AFL-CIO on DREAM Act - August 9, 2010
The United States Student Association (USSA), the nation’s oldest and
largest student organization, applauds the AFL-CIO for its decision to
call on Congress to pass the Development, Relief, and Education for
Alien Minors (DREAM) Act as a down payment on comprehensive immigration
reform.
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Students set new Tone, Leadership for the Student Movement - July 29, 2010
Nearly 200 college student organizers and leaders assembled at the
University of California, Los Angeles last week for the United States
Student Association’s (USSA) 63rd annual National Student Congress. Members
of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most inclusive student
organization met to elect the 2010 – 2011 USSA President and Vice
President, Board of Directors, and pass the national agenda for
students.
Click here to read more... __________________________________________________
Students Respond to Financial Reform Legislation - July 28, 2010
The
financial collapse of 2008 had rippling effects across America,
including on college students. Young people, who were already victim to
decades of higher education divestment, saw higher education budgets
slashed by state legislatures and tuition and fees soar. With these
higher costs and dwindling financial aid, student debt has risen to
nearly $25,000 for the average borrower. The
federal government took steps to mitigate these financial burdens by
passing historic student aid reform last spring, ushering in a new era
of federal investment in college students. Private lenders, however,
still needed strengthened regulation.
Students Call for Passage of Financial Reform in the Senate - July 7, 2010
The
United States Student Association (USSA), representing over four
million college and university students nationwide, applauds Senator
Chris Dodd, Representative Barney Frank, and all those who having
worked diligently on the historic Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act. Members of Congress have recognized the importance of
including regulation over private loans, the ‘wild west’ of student
lending, in their efforts to stabilize the nation’s financial framework.
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Students Respond to Pres. Obama's Immigration Reform Speech with a Call to Pass the DREAM Act - July 2, 2010
"We
can be a nation of laws and immigrations," declared President Obama at
yesterday’s immigration reform speech. He spoke of America attracting
the best and the brightest from across the globe and the moral
imperative to fix our broken immigration system. While the numerous
issues hindering immigration reform were eloquently outlined, the
president’s speech lacked an action plan for enacting reform
legislation. The conspicuous absence of a legislative strategy was
disappointing, and the reality is setting in that comprehensive
immigration reform will most likely not happen this summer.
Is College only for the Rich? - June 30, 2010
Chief among America's most revered ideals is that an education can
propel anyone from the depths of destitution to the skies of
achievement. This, along with socioeconomic reason, is why President
Obama boldly announced in his first State of the Union address that the
United States would once again lead the world in college graduation
rates by 2020. Only three months later, the president took a major step
forward in meeting this goal by signing historic student aid reform
into law, investing about $40 billion in need-based federal financial
aid over the next decade. The Georgetown Center for Education and
Workforce recently concluded
that the president's goal will require about $110 billion more from
state governments, an unlikely feet considering over 30 states are
implementing higher education budget cuts next fiscal year.
Michigan Agrees to stop Unlawful Voter-Purge Program - June 25, 2010
The
state of Michigan has agreed to stop two voter-purge programs that
unlawfully disfranchised thousands of Michigan voters in violation of
federal law. The settlement agreement resolves a lawsuit filed in
September 2008 by Advancement Project, the American Civil Liberties
Union, the ACLU of Michigan and the law firm of Pepper Hamilton LLP on
behalf of the United States Student Association Foundation (USSAF),
ACLU of Michigan and Michigan State Conference of the NAACP.
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America's Youth are too Big to Fail - June 24, 2010
By USSA President Gregory Cendana, featured in the Huffington Post
Overlooked in the debate over which institutions are 'too big to fail' for the sake of stabilizing America's economy is the future strength of our country: America's youth.
Young Americans nationwide will suffer lasting damage from the financial crisis. My generation, so-called "Millennials," or people born after 1981, is on track to be the first generation in decades to be worse off than our parents. It's no coincidence that this 30-year period has also been the Era of Deregulation culminating in a perfect storm of unemployment, education divestment, and debt that is disproportionately hindering the prosperity of America's youth. That's why Congress must pass a vigorous financial reform bill that includes a strong Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
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For-Profits Face Increased Congressional Scrutiny - June 23, 2010
This
week, higher education lawmakers called for a Government Accountability
Office (GAO) review of for-profit universities. The scrutiny comes
after a House Education and Labor Committee hearing in which the
Education Department Inspector General raised concerns about
accrediting agencies’ oversight of the credit hour policies at
institutions of higher education. This greatly impacts for-profit
universities because, although they comprise only ten percent of total
education enrollment, they account for about a quarter of all federal
student aid disbursements, the amount of which is determined by credit
hours.
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America's College Graduation Deficit - June 21, 2010
By USSA President Gregory Cendana, featured in the Huffington Post
As the mid-term elections draw closer, the bandwagon of anti-deficit spending is getting crowded. Self-righteous cries for shortsighted budget cuts masquerading as calls for fiscal responsibility are as common as denunciations of BP. Federal spending in discretionary programs such as higher education, the argument goes, adds to the deficit and therefore makes America less safe.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
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College Graduation Rates in Serious Jeopardy - June 18, 2010
If current graduation rates continue, there will be a deficit of 300,000 college graduates a year based on the workforce capacity of 2018. To meet this capacity, American colleges and universities need to increase the number of degrees they confer by 10 percent annually.
Students, Youth Leaders Convene to Campaign for America's Future - June 14, 2010
June 7-9, 2010, leaders in social justice convened in Washington, DC for the America's Future NOW!
conference. For the three days, participants, including USSA students,
staff, and officers, developed and honed organizing and advocacy skills
while building new and exciting relationships with youth partners and
allies from around the country.
Click here to view the new webpage dedicated to USSA's involvement in the conference...
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USSA Pres. Gregory Cendana Speaking at the America's Future NOW! Conference - June 9, 2010
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"We are a Strong, Diverse Community" - June 7, 2010
USSA President Gregory Cendana discusses the DREAM Act, student aid reform, and more on the Bob Kincaid show:
"I think what's different about this moment versus the last ten years when [the DREAM Act] was introduced is that there has been an emergence of immigrant youth and ally activists that have been pushing the envelop and elected officials to say 'this is really important.'"
Click here to listen to the entire interview...
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My Arizona, My Home - June 3, 2010
By Teresa Mabry, USSA Women of Color Chair
The Day Governor Brewer decided to make a political play instead of the morally correct decision for the State of Arizona, and the people of Arizona, I could not believe what had just happened. Why was it signed? Lets not even ask that question. We know. The reason has come to a realistic light now that her campaign signs hang across the state. SB1070 is not a “Brown” issue, it is a human issue. Arizona is becoming a state in which people of color and immigrant communities are being legally criminalized and profiled as a result of a political move, at the cost of the people. I say the people because, again, this is a human issue. And yes, I have read the bill.
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The Fourth Mile - June 2, 2010
By Monique Teal, USSA National Field Director
I am an organizer for many reasons. One: every right and privilege I enjoy was fought for. Whether in the last 100 years or 100 days, my entire life has been shaped by the courage and sacrifice of others. Two: my grandparents taught me that people are worth fighting for, no matter the situation. After watching them work for the rights of everyone from children to recovering addicts to special needs adults, if there was a way they could help, they did. I have long felt a sense of obligation to continue that legacy. Third: I enjoy it. I love the people I meet and the experiences I have. But around the 4th mile of Saturday's march against SB 1070, none of that was enough to keep me walking.
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Love as an Act of Defiance - June 1, 2010
By Monique Teal, USSA National Field Director
Before leaving for AZ, I was anxious and convinced that I was unprepared for what I anticipated to be a torrent of anger centrally located in the AZ desert. The flight into the state did nothing to assuage my fears, as within minutes of taking off, a very angry (old, white) man proceeded to yell at me until the flight attendant told him he was upsetting passengers. This incident was all I needed to justify my apprehension and distaste for the state. It also set me up to mentally prepare for battle. I assumed that the man on the plane (and the folks in the news) were the norm in AZ and my 21st century political carpet bagging was not going to go over well with folks who were convinced they were the only ones deserving of rights. The same night, another (straight, white) man accosted myself and a current student (and bomb activist) about how youth didn’t know anything about politics, that black people had a chip on their shoulders (especially me apparently) and the undocumented people (illegal aliens in his vernacular) deserved any profiling they got. And much worse. We fought back through dialogue and two hours later realized that this “gentleman” was never going to get it because he didn’t want to get it. Day one and I despised AZ.
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USSA Takes a Stand Against Controversial AZ Laws - May 25, 2010
During their spring meeting, the United States Student Association (USSA) Board of Directors passed a resolution condemning three recently enacted Arizona laws. In response to the resolution, USSA President Gregory Cendana issued the following statement:
“The United States Student Association’s (USSA) vision is to help engender a just society in which social change is created through an empowered and diverse youth community. In keeping with this vision, the USSA Board of Directors recently passed a resolution opposing three Arizona laws repugnant to a just society...
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In Loving Memory of Tam Tran and Cinthya Felix - May 19, 2010
Tam was featured in and helped produce the DREAM Act documentary
Underground Undergrads: UCLA Undocumented Immigrant Students Speak Out.
Additionally, she testified before Congress in 2007 on the need for the
DREAM Act. As a leader in Improving Dreams, Equality, Access and Success (IDEAS)
at the University of California, Los Angeles, Tam helped push USSA towards being a more active supporter of the DREAM Act.
USSA
honors and celebrates the lives of these two amazing DREAMers and our
thoughts are with their friends and families. Tam and Cinthya will live
on in the selfless and courageous organizing by undocumented and
documented students alike on behalf of the DREAM Act and broader
immigrant justice.
Donate to Tam and Cinthya’s Memorial Funds:
Donate to the Tam Tran Memorial Fund
Tam
was born in Germany after her parents were forced to flee Vietnam. She
immigrated to the U.S. and grew up in Garden Grove, California. She
graduated from Santiago High School, attended Santa Ana College, and
transferred to UCLA, where she earned a bachelor's degree in American
Literature and Culture. In 2007, Tam testified before a House
subcommittee on immigration and advocated on behalf of the proposed
Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. As a
doctoral student in the American Civilization program at Brown
University, she helped found the Brown Immigrants' Rights Coalition.
Tam was an aspiring filmmaker, and produced several short films,
including the acclaimed documentary, "Lost and Found."
Cinthya
emigrated from Mexico and grew up in East Los Angeles, California where
she attended and graduated from Garfield High School. She pursued
higher education at UCLA, where she earned bachelor's degrees in
English World Literature and Spanish Literature, with a minor in
Mexican Studies. At UCLA, Cinthya was a founding member of Improving
Dreams, Equality, Access and Success (IDEAS), one of the nation's first
and largest undocumented student advocacy groups. In 2007, she became
the first undocumented student admitted to Columbia University's School
of Public Health. Cinthya's dream was to attend medical school and
eventually return to her community as a physician.
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In Solidarity with Puerto Rico Students - May 17, 2010
After
cuts of 100 million dollars to the university budget, leading to
massive increases in tuition, cuts to financial aid, and staff layoffs,
the General Council of Students began a strike
that has lasted over three weeks and mobilized thousands of students.
Economists estimate the strike has cost the institution, which serve 65
thousand students at 11 campuses across the island, anywhere from one
to 52 million dollars. The students are demanding a four percent
tuition cap, a policy that was commonplace in the states until the
recent fiscal crises.
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How Hungry are YOU to Pass the DREAM Act? - May 14, 2010
Check out USSA's new video for our No Boundaries, No Borders summer:
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Students Hit Hard by Financial Crisis - May 13, 2010
Young
Americans face “lasting damage” from the dual crises in the financial
sector and in personal finance, making it urgent that Congress pass
strong financial reform legislation.
Risking Our Future Middle Class: Young Americans Need Financial Reform, released on Thursday by three leading youth advocacy organizations – the United States Student Association, U. S. Public Interest Research Group, and Demos – documents how hard youth have been hit by the country’s economic crisis.
As the Temperature Rises, We Must Turn Up the Heat for the DREAM Act - May 8, 2010
By Gregory Cendana, USSA President
Just one week ago on May 1, I decided to participate in a civil disobedience on International Worker’s Day. In line with the celebration of the social and economic achievements of the international labor movement, it was a day to uplift the continuous struggle of immigrants, especially youth, in the United States. Joining other youth and immigration advocates, 35 of us risked arrest by sitting in front of the White House with letters that spelled the phrase: “Obama, Stop Deporting our Families.” There was a need to send a strong message: Lawmakers hungry for our votes must take swift action now because it in the right thing to do!
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SLAP Coordinator Job Announcement - May 7, 2010
Jobs with Justice and the US Student Association are seeking a Student Labor Action Project (SLAP) Coordinator to provide 
technical
assistance for student activists through trainings, developing
campaign plans, creating materials, coordinating the National Student
Labor Week of Action and other networking and learning opportunities.
SLAP, a joint project of the US Student Association (USSA) and Jobs with Justice (JwJ), is designed to assist youth and student activists to organize campaigns and build power to defend and expand workers’ rights and economic justice.
Click here to download the announcement
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OR Student Association Celebrates 35th Anniversary - April 21, 2010
USSA member the Oregon Student Association premiered this video at their 35th anniversary dinner April 16, 2010. The video highlights OSA’s 35 years of growth, along with what they provide to students. Congrats on to OSA, we can’t wait to see what the next 35 years will bring!
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Students Back Measures to Restore Fairness in Private Student Loan Bankruptcy Laws - April 20, 2010
Last
week, Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Al
Franken (D-MN) joined Representatives Steve Cohen (D-TN) and Danny
Davis (D-IL) in introducing legislation that would permit private
student loan debt to be dischargeable in bankruptcy court. The
bills, S. 3219: The Fairness for Struggling Students Act in the Senate
and H.R. 5043: The Private Student Loan Bankruptcy Fairness Act in the
House, would restore fairness to laws governing student loan bankruptcy.
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Student Leaders Endorse Measures to Invest in Strong Job Growth - April 20, 2010
Last week, the USSA Board of Directors, made up entirely of college student leaders, voted to endorse a series of principles it wishes to see in upcoming legislation designed to spur job growth. There are a number of job bills in Congress. USSA will be advocating for the above principles to be included in whichever jobs bill is ultimately advanced. The principles are:
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Funding exclusively for new youth employment.
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Job training for community based organizations.
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Long-term comprehensive youth employment solutions.
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Prevention of massive education job loss resulting from state budget cuts.
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Day of Silence - April 16, 2010
This
Friday, April 16th marks the 14th annual Day of Silence, that has grown
to be largest student-led action towards the awareness of the
harassment of LGBT youth in the nation. Students of all ages take an
Oath of Silence, giving up their speaking privilege to experience the
silencing that youth face for their sexual identity, gender identity,
gender expression or perceived sexual identity. Allies to the LGTB
community are able to confront similar struggles that LGTB youth face
once their ability to speak is given up.
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April Legislative Update Available - April 12, 2010
After an exciting and historic month of student activism and engagement, USSA's April 2010 Legislative Update is now available. It covers the student aid reform legislation that was signed into law through the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, along with updates on the DREAM Act and the Budget and Appropriations process.
Click here to read the update.
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USSA/F Job Opportunities - April 5, 2010
The United States Student Association/Foundation is hiring positions for the upcoming year. We are currently hiring a Legislative Director, National Field Associate, and Summer 2010 Interns! We’re excited to bring new folks into our team and are looking for dedicated individuals who can fulfill their job descriptions and help us fight to make education a right!
Click below to download the job applications:
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USSA President Gregory Cendana Talks About Student/Worker Solidarity for the DREAM Act - April 1, 2010
During
the Student Labor Week of Action, the Workers Independent Network radio
station featured USSA President Gregory Cendana speaking about the
DREAM Act:
Student/ labor support for passing the DREAM Act "shows the strong solidarity amongst a broad range of constituents... There are a lot of students and workers in this country and the fact that the oldest and largest student association and federation of labor unions are coming together on this issue is a very big deal."
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President Obama Signs Historic Student Aid Reform Legislation into Law - March 30, 2010
Today, in the auditorium of North Virginia Community College, President Barack Obama, joined by over fifty USSA members, signed the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (HR 4872) into law. This legislation includes the historic student aid reform proposal originally passed by the House of Representatives via the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act.
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Victory for Students as Historic Student Aid Reform Passes Congress - March 26, 2010
Just
two days after hundreds of students stormed Capitol Hill lobbying for
increased federal action on college access and affordability, Congress
passed the most sweeping overhaul of the student aid system in American
history. The Healthcare and Education Reconciliation Act (HR 4872),
passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate today after
months of massive student support for the legislation.
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USSA President Gregory Cendana on Democracy Now - March 25, 2010
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News Coverage of USSA's LegCon - March 23, 2010
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News Coverage of USSA's DREAM Act Press Conference - March 22, 2010
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A Different Kind of March Madness - March 16, 2010
This
March, millions of young people are rallying nationwide in energetic
crowds, chanting, singing and holding up signs, funneling their
idealistic passion into a single cause of great importance to college
students. Sounds like the annual uproar surrounding NCAA basketball,
right? Well, this is a different kind of March Madness.
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Students and Credit Card Debt: The Current and Coming Crisis - March 15, 2010
By Edward Muna, UC Santa Barbara student and USSA Board member
In
light of the current budget crisis' going on in states throughout the
nation, student's vulnerability to draconian credit card companies has
never been so great. Considering the fact that the average
undergraduate carried $3,173 in credit card debt in 2008, the case is
great for involving students in the battle against credit debt
exploitation. In addition with students' main avenue for paying for
higher education, student loans, students find themselves being much
more susceptible to credit card debt. The average student graduates
annually with about $25,000 in student loan debt and, with the rising
cost of higher education, credit cards seem enticing for many
vulnerable consumers as a short term coping mechanism for the current
financial crisis.
Click here to read more...
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Click here to read more...
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Save the Pell Grant! - March 11, 2010
The House and Senate higher education leadership are deciding whether to pass student aid reform. Senator Harkin, chair of the committee with jurisdiction over student aid reform, said it best at a press conference earlier today: "If we don't pass this (student aid reform) now... I don't know if or when we will." Your voice in support of student aid reform is urgent! Critical financial aid programs, such as the Pell grant, will take a massive financial hit if students don't take action now.
Step 1: Call 1-888-254-5087
Step 2: Ask for your senators
Step 3: Use the script:
"Hi, my name is____. I a am calling today to urge Senator_______ to support students by putting Student Aid Reform in the Budget Reconciliation process. If student aid reform is not included, the maximum Pell Grant will be cut by thousands of dollars. 500,000 students will lose their Pell grants and 8,000,000 students will see their awards cut by 60%. This is UNACCEPTABLE.
Will Senator______ support students by including student aid reform in the budget reconciliation process?
Thank you for supporting students, have a good day.
__________________________________________________Will You Be Counted in this Decade? - March 9, 2010
There aren't many subjects that seem as boring as the U.S. Census. Every ten years the federal government has to count everyone, so what? Why is it so important?
Click on the image below to watch the new USSA studentsCOUNT! video and find out why filling out the Census is one of the most important things you can do this decade:
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Student March 4 Education Across the Nation - March 5, 2010
On March 4,
students from coast-to-coast, on campuses large and small, engaged in
massive protests and rallies to promote college access and
affordability. This grassroots movement, known as ‘March 4 Education,’
swept across the country in response to the historic crisis in public
higher education as a result of crippling budget cuts and skyrocketing
tuition and fee hikes.
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Student Aid Reform Rests in YOUR Hands! - March 3, 2010
The
student voice is needed now more than ever. Sallie Mae, the nation's
largest private lender and staunch opponent to student aid reform, is
pushing its "alternative" to the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility
Act (SAFRA) in the Senate. And Senators are listening. Stand up for the student voice by sending a letter in support of SAFRA to your senators!
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College Affordability Strengthens the Middle Class, says Biden - February 26, 2010
Today,
Vice President Joe Biden released the Annual Report of the White House
Task Force on the Middle Class, the findings of a committee that has
spent the past year researching ways to improve the living conditions
of working and middle class families. Among the most effective ways to
help American families secure economic stability is increasing college
access and affordability, the Task Force found.
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Make Your Voice Known! - February 24, 2010
Student aid reform legislation has been met with extreme opposition by big private lenders that don't want to see their profits lost to college affordability. Additionally, the DREAM Act is gaining steam in Congress. This week, we're uplifting why young people want student aid reform and the DREAM Act by amplifying the student voice in the media.
Send a letter-to-the-editor to your local paper urging passage of the DREAM Act and a Senate companion bill to the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act. These critical pieces of legislation will pass only with the collective support of America's youth!
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Join the Fight to Save Higher Ed and Jobs! - February 23, 2010
As part of the National campaign to defend Education and Jobs, the Student Labor Action Project and the United States Student Association invite you to join students across the nation fighting budget cuts and layoffs in their universities through our national conference call happening
Thursday, Feb. 25th @ 9pm est-6pm pst.
This space is created for people to share what is happening on their campus, strategies and tactics that have worked, and to connect with folks nationwide in order to strengthen our movement for social change.
During this call we will also have as a special guest, Victor Sanchez, president of the University of California Student Association (UCSA). He has been in the forefront of the fight to save higher education in California and will share strategies on statewide coordination and mobilizations against these attacks to higher education. We will have a question and answer session afterward.
The call in number is (605) 477-2100
Participant Access Code: 1075104#
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USSA Supports Day of Action to Defend Education - February 22, 2010
The United States Student Association (USSA) has always supported grassroots efforts that empower young people and raise awareness about issues in higher education. In keeping with this practice, USSA supports the March 4th Day of Action in Defense of Public Education. The event was inspired by the demonstration of student power during the University of California Board of Regents vote to increase fees 32%, tripling the cost of a UC education from a decade ago. Organizers of the March 4th Day of Action are working to expand that energy to a national campaign to fight for increased educational access.
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The State of the Student Union - February 17, 2010
USSA President Gregory Cendana delivered the 2010 State of the Student Union address!
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Write Your Own Page In History! - February 11, 2010
2010 is gearing up to be an exciting and successful year for higher education! To ensure you are a part of the historic movement to make education a right, be sure to attend USSA's 41st annual Grassroots Legislative Conference and National Student Lobby Day (LegCon) March 20-23 in Washington, DC. Hurry, early registration deadline is TOMORROW, February 12th. Statewide Student Association leaders are also encouraged to attend USSA's SSA Summit March 19-20 in Washington, DC.
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Students Applaud Major Investments in Obama's Budget, Express Concern for LEAP Elimination - February 1, 2010
Today, President Obama released his proposed budget for the Fiscal Year 2011, which continues his administration’s commitment to college affordability by increasing education spending by 7.5 percent. The budget proposes the transition of the Pell Grant to an entitlement program, strengthens the new Income-Based Repayment program, and makes key investments in community colleges and minority-serving institutions through the American Graduation Initiative. Additionally, the budget advances student aid reform policies found in the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (HR 3221).
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USSA Response to the State of the Union - January 27, 2010
Immediately after President Obama’s State of the Union Address, United
States Student Association President Gregory Cendana issued the
following statement:
“The United States Student Association (USSA) applauds President Obama’s
emphasis on higher education in his first State of the Union address.
It is essential for the federal government to prioritize college
affordability at a time when almost two-thirds of all four-year college
graduates leave school an average of over $23,000 in debt into the
worst job market on record for young people. Hopefully, his strong
support for student aid reform will ignite action in the Senate and
help to pass a companion bill to the historic Student Aid and Fiscal
Responsibility Act, which passed the House of Representatives in
September.
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Student Loan Income-Based Repayment Program Strengthened Under New Proposal - January 27, 2010
In an effort to help college graduates ease their mounting student loan debt, the Middle Class Task Force, chaired by Vice President Joe Biden, proposed yesterday to strengthen the Income-Based Repayment Program (IBR) that went into effect last July. IBR was established in the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, a bill that the United States Student Association (USSA) played a key role in supporting.
Unity through Education and Engagement - January 16, 2010
By Dulce Juarez, USSA Intern
“We must all learn to live together as brothers. Or we will all perish together as fools” – Martin Luther King Jr.
The other day I was in the car, on my way to the USSA office, while I listened to the Democracy Now radio show. The topic?……..Drum roll please….. White Supremacist militia groups!
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Have You Written Your Page in History? - January 14, 2010
"I thought that this was hands down
the best conference concerning issues that face us students. I would
definitely suggest this conference to other schools." -2009 LegCon participant
2010
has the potential of being a historic year for higher education.
Imagine, a federal student aid system that prioritizes college
affordability over bank subsidies, the college doors thrown open for
thousands of deserving undocumented students, and state leaders valuing
higher education in both campaign speeches and budgets. Sound like
fiction? Only if we fail to act!
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New FAFSA is Simpler, Better for Students - January 11, 2010
Last week, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan unveiled the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, which includes many student-friendly revisions. Reforming the financial aid form has been a priority for the Obama Administration and congressional leaders working to simplify the process of applying to college.
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In the New Year, We Can't Stop and Won't Stop! - January 6, 2010
2009 was an exciting year for college students nationwide. Students helped secure billions of dollars in federal higher education funding and made international press organizing against state budget cuts and cost hikes. Yet we still face powerful banking lobbyists opposing student aid reform and state legislatures all too ready to balance budgets on the backs of students.
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Capable American Students - January 5, 2010
There is a fervent debate escalating in the Boston Globe over whether American students are lazy. The heated discussion began when a Babson College professor penned an opinion editorial in the Globe titled My Lazy American Students in which she claimed that American students are sluggish when compared to their international peers. “My ‘C,’ ‘D,’ and ‘F’ students this semester are almost exclusively American,” said the professor, “while my students from India, China, and Latin America have - despite language barriers - generally written solid papers, excelled on exams, and become valuable class participants.”
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Banks Don't Belong in the Student Loan Industry - December 18, 2009
Below is an editorial in the Wall Street Journal by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan:
"Since
I arrived in Washington, I've been looking at every line item in the
budget of the U.S. Department of Education with two questions in mind:
Is this program helping students learn? And is it a good use of
taxpayer money? In the case of the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL)
program, the answer to both questions is no.
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November & December Editions of The Student Voice - December 17, 2009
The final edition of The Student Voice for 2009 is now available. Included are updates from USSA officers, reports from the field and SLAP, kick-off to StudentsVOTE 2010, and the Spotlight Section.
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Students Protected in Financial Reform Bill - December 16, 2009
Last week the House of Representatives passed the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (HR 4173), a comprehensive set of measures that will modernize America’s financial regulations and hold Wall Street accountable. The bill creates the Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA), a new federal agency devoted to protecting Americans from unfair and abusive financial products and services. USSA worked with several coalition partners to ensure that private student loans were among the financial products under the jurisdiction of the CFPA.
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USSA Board of Director Position Openings - December 9, 2009
An important part of USSA’s leadership structure is its student Board of Directors. There are currently six vacancies on the 2009-2010 USSA Board of Directors. If you are interested applying for a position on the USSA Board, please click here to read about the positions available, requirements for being on Board, expectations of Board members, and how to apply. Please note the deadline for applications is 5:00 pm Eastern on Wednesday, December 16th. You will be notified the decision by December 20th.
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Together, Students and Labor will Change the Country - December 9, 2009
As the semester winds down and students retreat to their classrooms and studies, it is a good time to reflect on the struggles that young people are facing and our willingness to fight back and demand a real change in the system that will protect us in this fragile economy.
Last week AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler posted a blog on the Huffington Post about the dire situation of young workers and the AFL-CIO’s proposed five point initial steps to support workers in this economy. In these steps, you can see the immediate connection to the current work that students nationwide are engaged in against budget cuts and layoffs. Two points in the AFL-CIO’s plan for addressing the jobs crisis speak directly to the needs and demands that we have been pushing for in the student movement.
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Vote for Scrooge of the Year - December 8, 2009
Each year, national Jobs with Justice gives an "award" to the greediest, most cold-hearted company or person of the year. Nominations for the 2009 Scrooge of the Year are in, and it's time to vote!
The nominees are:
Bank of America
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Hyatt Hotels
Publix Supermarkets
Sallie Mae & Citibank
... or write in your own candidate
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USSA President Gregory Cendana on ABC Nightline - December 4, 2009
On Monday, November 30, USSA President Gregory Cendana appeared on ABC Nightline discussing the rising cost of college. Citing economic benefits of college affordability, Cendana declared that post-secondary “education should be free.” He argued that state divestment from higher education hinders our country’s long-term financial growth as heavily indebted graduates spend the majority of their income on loan repayments instead of contributing to the economy.
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USSA President Gregory Cendana on National Public Radio - November 23, 2009
National Public Radio host Claudio Sanchez interviewed USSA President Gregory Cendana about the rising cost of college and student debt. Click on the image below to listen.
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Statement by USSA President Gregory Cendana on the University of California Free Hikes and Protests - November 20, 2009
“Amidst chants of ‘We Shall Overcome,’ the University of California Board of Regents, except for the only voting student member Jesse Bernal, voted to increase student fees by 32 percent, or $2,500, yesterday at UCLA. This drastic increase triples the total cost of a UC education from a decade ago. The vote was met with a torrent of protest by those whom the decision directly affects. As an alumnus of UCLA and former board member of the University of California Student Association (UCSA), I was inspired by the coalition of students, faculty, and staff across the state who proclaimed to the nation that they would not accept divestment in higher education without a fight. The United States Student Association is in solidarity with the University of California Student Association, and all protesters, as they demonstrate the critical importance of student/worker solidarity in organizing against egregious fee hikes.
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A Public Responsibility - November 18, 2009
There are a precious few moments when we have the opportunity to remake our national identity. Like the students who audaciously advanced civil rights in times of mindless violence, or the youth who rebuilt a nation devastated by the Great Depression, we now stand at the crux of fundamental change. It is in the midst of great upheaval that we are given the chance to define ourselves by the manner in which we respond to the immense challenges of the day. Higher education is the defining issue of our generation because on it relies the leaders and innovators on which all other fields of vital importance depend. We therefore have a responsibility to keep open the college doors for all.
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Sweeping Resolutions Pass Student Senates - November 17, 2009
Earlier this month, the Associated Students of Portland State University adopted resolutions to support the USSA campaigns to pass the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) and the Develop, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. These resolutions, passed without objections by the student government Senate, show that Portland students are truly dedicated to making college a right for all. Additionally, the California State Student Association, representing 450,000 students in the California State University System, passed a resolution endorsing both SAFRA and the Private Student Loan Debt Swap Act of 2009 which allows students to exchange their private loans for direct loans. SAFRA was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in September.
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New Communication Systems - November 10, 2009
In an effort to better convey the amazing work students are doing to make education a right, USSA is implementing a new and dynamic communication system that is available on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
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Monthly: The Student Voice is the new monthly publication of the U.S. Student Association. Inside, you'll find concise updates from USSA officers, staff, students, and alumni.
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Weekly: The USSA Media Packet covers USSA press hits for the week. Last week, USSA was featured in The Nation and covered in a number of campus and local papers as well.
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Daily: The USSA Morning Scoop is published every morning on the new USSA Facebook fanpage and website. The Morning Scoop includes news and commentary on the latest developments in higher education and student organizing.
With these new systems in place, you'll be able to catch up on what USSA and students across the country are doing to make college more affordable and accessible.
But it isn't enough to simply read about the historic fight to increase investment in higher education... be a part of the movement! The Senate is stalling on the passage of critical student aid reform so we need higher ed advocates now more than ever! Join USSA's LegWire for updates on higher ed legislation and student organizing, invite your friends to become Facebook fans of USSA, contribute to the nationwide discussion on our blog, or simply donate to the cause. Big banks have a war chest of funds and lobbyists to block our legislative priorities, so every little bit counts!
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Young Voters are more than a Passing Trend - November 5, 2009
What a difference a year makes. Leading up to the 2008 election, the youth vote was highlighted as the deciding bloc for a new America. This year however, media pundits and political insiders determined that youth were not going to be relevant in local elections, harping on it so much in the weeks preceding the election that it became a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Youth Report on Obama and Congress on Anniversary of Historic Election - November 4, 2009
One year ago, America’s youth overwhelming swept Barack Obama into office. Yesterday, leaders from a variety of youth organizations spoke with members of the press about what progress they feel President Obama and Congress are making on election promises to enact critical policy reforms. The press call happened in conjunction with the release of “One-Year Later,” a youth report on the federal government’s progress on a diverse range of subjects from healthcare to veteran affairs to higher education.
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October Legislative Update Available - November 2, 2009
October has been an exciting legislative month for the USSA! The historic Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act is now before the Senate and the DREAM Act has collected a large number of co-sponsors. Students have played a huge role in building local support for these bills. If you aren't already involved, click here to join the USSA's LegWire mailing list to receive updates and action alerts on our campaigns to make education a right!
Click here to download the Legislative Update.
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Lawsuits Mount Against FFELP Lender - October 27, 2009
The reasons to eliminate the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) grow by the lawsuit. FFELP allows private banks to receive billions of dollars in government subsidies to issue federal student loans. However, participating lenders have become notorious for exploiting the program by cutting corners and taking advantage of students. Recently, according to Bunsinessinsider.com, banking giants JPMorgan and Citigroup have joined the fray and are being sued for conspiring with education financing company Nelnet to falsify government claims and illegally recruit student borrowers.
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Regulating the "Wild West" of Student Loans - October 23, 2009
The need for strengthened consumer protection in the lending industry became painfully evident as millions of American lost their homes, jobs, or both in the wake of the recent financial meltdown. While healthcare still dominates congressional debate, legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives is being crafted to create a federal Consumer Financial Protection Agency to regulate forms of consumer credit traditionally subject to little government oversight. College affordability advocates, including the United States Student Association, are working to ensure that private student loans, the “wild west of lending” according to New York’s Attorney General, fall under the jurisdiction of the new agency.
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Calling All Electoral Organizers! - October 22, 2009
The USSA is currently looking to hire Electoral Action Training Trainers for the 2010 election! Watch this video announcement by USSA Trainings Director Danny Montes, then click here to download the announcement packet. Submission deadline is Monday, November 16.
For questions contact Danny via e-mail or call (202) 640-6570.
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A Dire Outlook on Student Aid - October 21, 2009
The College Board recently released two reports detailing the trends of higher education financing in America. The findings were grim for students and their families. Tuition is sharply rising along with debt and lower-income students are receiving less aid.
Here are some of the notable statistics:
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Average tuition and fees at public 4-year colleges is up about 6.5%. When considering inflation and consumer prices, however, the increase is closer to 9% in real terms.
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Significant portions of institutional financial aid goes to families with 6-figure incomes. Conversely, only 1/3 of pubic 4-year institutional aid goes to need-based aid with a majority of those funds going to students in the highest income bracket.
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2/3 of public 4-year college aid is distributed without consideration of financial need.
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Only 34% of bachelor degree recipients graduated without loan debt and 10% borrowed at least $40,000.
These findings demonstrate the need for Congress to pass student aid reform that supports aid programs geared to help all students achieve a college degree, regardless of income. The U.S. House of Representatives has already passed the historic Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, and now it is time for the Senate to do the same.
President Obama has made it his Administration's goal to graduate more students than any other country on earth. This noble objective cannot be achieved so long as low-income students do not receive the financial aid necessary to stay in school while facing massive tuition hikes.
Read the College Board reports here.
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Students March for Justice - October 14, 2009
The National Mall in Washington, DC has been the epicenter for many of America's most memorable social justice moments. Last Sunday was no different as tens of thousands of people marched and rallied for LGBT rights during the National Equality March. While many participants were stalwart civil rights activist veterans and seasoned political leaders, young people played a large role in the historic events. Students from New York, Kentucky, and Minnesota spoke to the crowd, which included hundreds of their college-going peers.
The United States Student Association (USSA), the country’s oldest and largest student-led organization, believes that no one should be denied basic human rights on account of sexual orientation or gender identity. “It is important for students to be engaged in the fight for LGBT rights because social justice isn't secured for just one group but for all those who seek a better world,” said Gregory Cendana, the organization’s first openly gay Asian American President.
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Access Denied: 2-Year Students Prevented from Receiving Federal Loans - October 13, 2009
Federal loans are the safest, most stable loans available to students. They don't fall victim to the fluctuations of the market economy, come with low interest rates, and provide flexible repayment plans. Yet roughly 900,000 community college students, nearly 1 in 900,00010, are denied access to these loans because their college administrators choose not participate in federal loan programs, according to a recent Project on Student Debt study. Students of color face even higher barriers to federal aid, with 18% of African-American and 19% of Native American 2-year students lacking access to federal loans.
Without these options, students are forced to mitigate the cost of college by increasing their workload, cutting back on classes, or dropping out altogether.
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Students "Raise Pell" for the Week of Action- October 9, 2009
Friday: Debrief
Thanks to everyone who "Raised Pell!" for Student Aid Reform this week! Together, we were able to amplify the student voice and demand that Congress put students over banks! Here are some of the successes:
- Massachusetts students called Senator John Kerry so much that his office told them to stop calling because he got the message!
- Arizona students Raised Pell on YouTube with a great video!
While the official week of action maybe over, our campaign to pass Student Aid Reform NOW! will continue until President Obama signs legislation that puts students over banks and makes the historic investments in financial aid that students demand!
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Millennial Generation Testimony in the U.S. House - October 1, 2009
Matthew Segal, founder and co-chair of 80 Million Strong, a youth advocacy organization, testified at a House Education and Labor Committee hearing on ensuring economic opportunities for young Americans. He spoke about the rising unemployment rate among young people, which has reached over 18%, and the shrinking income average, especially among people of color. Additionally, he pointed out to lawmakers that economists are predicting that the "Millennial Generation" is likely to be less better off than our parents.
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September USSA "Back to School" Legislative Update Released - September 28, 2009
The September 2009 "Back to School" legislative update has just been released by USSA Legislative Director Angela Peoples. It has been an exciting and historic summer for federal higher education and national student organizing from student aid reform to the DREAM Act.
Click here to read download the legislative update.
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A United UC Community Marches in Solidarity - September 25, 2009
The presumption that college students have become lazy and apathetic was vigorously swept away in a tidal wave of student demonstrations against California's divestment in higher education yesterday. California students, in solidarity with faculty and staff, rallied and marched to voice their outrage over the skyrocketing cost of college, declining quality, furloughs, and pay cuts. UC Berkeley was the site for one of the largest protests since the historic free speech rallies in the 1960s, UC Irvine students ignored the near one hundred degree heat to turn out by the thousands, and hundreds of Bruins marched to the UCLA administration building to demand change.
Students rally at UC Berkeley
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The DREAM Act Day of Action! - September 23, 2009
Today is the DREAM Act Day of Action! The USSA, along with the United We DREAM Coalition and students across the country, have organized local events and actions that will be taking place all day in support of the DREAM Act. Check out www.dreamactivist.org to join an action near you! You can also download the USSA DREAM Act toolkit online at http://www.usstudents.org/our-work/legislative/dream-act-take-action to learn how you can get involved on your campus.
To spread the word about the Day of Action, set your Facebook update status to: Today is the DREAM Act Day of Action! Get involved at dreamactivist.org and follow the movement on Twitter at #DREAMAct
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Sen. Harkin Praises SAFRA Passage in House - September 21, 2009
Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), the new chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (HELP) recent praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the historic Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act. The HELP Committee is expected to begin work on the Senate version of the bill this week.
"In his address to the joint session of Congress in February, President Obama laid out a clear vision of returning America to the nation with the highest proportion of college graduates in the world," Senator Harkin said. The House's passage of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, he continued, "moves us towards that goal by passing vital legislation to strengthen our education system and increase the promise of an affordable college education for all students. High quality education is vital to the success of our people, the health of our communities, and the prosperity of our nation. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues on the Senate HELP Committee to move similar legislation this fall."
Senator Harkin, new Chair of the Senate HELP Committee
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Historic Student Aid Reform Bill Passes the U.S House - September 17, 2009
Today is a historic day for higher education as the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA), H.R. 3221. The U.S. Student Association, along with students and families nationwide, are ecstatic about this landmark bill and its capacity to help millions of current and potential college students achieve an affordable and quality higher education. This legislation includes the greatest investments in higher education in American history.
“On behalf of the USSA’s 4.5 million student members at over 400 campuses, we thank Members of the House of Representatives for their diligent work on passing SAFRA,” said USSA President Gregory Cendana. “Students today are taking on insurmountable amounts of debt to pay for college, essentially mortgaging their futures with convoluted loan plans from private banks. SAFRA will reform this broken system by increasing federal, need-based aid that will help bring President Obama’s goal to lead the world in college graduations to fruition.”
USSA student Jelisa Difo speaking about SAFRA:
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USSA Student Testimonials Read During Floor Debate in U.S. House - September 16, 2009
While debating the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act today, Congressman Jared Polis (D-Colorado) spoke about USSA students Hailee Koehler and Alexis Smith, both of whom attend the University of Colorado, Boulder.
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USSA, Congressional Leadership, Education Secretary, and Higher Ed Lawmakers Advocate for Student Aid Reform - September 16, 2009
On Tuesday, September 15, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Speaker
Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chair of the House
Education and Labor Committee, other lawmakers and USSA students held
two press events to urge the House to pass the Student Aid and Fiscal
Responsibility Act (SAFRA), H.R. 3221, a bill which makes the largest
investment in higher education in American history. The USSA membership
voted overwhelmingly to support this historic legislation at the 2009
National Student Congress.
During the first press conference,
surrounded by congressional leadership and the top higher education
officials, USSA student Jelisa Difo, a Senior at the University of
Massachusetts, Amherst, spoke about the necessity of student aid
reform. “By investing in federal aid programs, SAFRA will ensure that
millions of students like me have access to a quality and affordable
higher education,” said Difo.
USSA student Jelisa Difo, Speaker Pelosi, Chair Miller, and Ed Secretary Duncan
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College Affordability Spurs Economic Growth - September 14, 2009
At a recent event with Vice President Joe Biden, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner reaffirmed his strong belief in the economic benefits of college affordability:
"College affordability is central to two key economic trends. Over the past generation, we have gone from a nation of savers to one of borrowers. We have devoted too many resources to consumption and not enough to investment. During this same period, we have also lost our global educational lead. While we once outpaced all other advanced economies in the percentage of our population that graduated from high school and college, much of the rest of the economically developed world has now caught up or surpassed us."
Secretary Geithner was speaking about 529 plans, education saving programs operated by states or educational institutions that help families set aside funds for future college costs. Washington State's GET (Guaranteed Education Tuition) program is an exemplary model of a 529, allowing parents to make tuition payments today so that they are protected from massive tuition hikes when their children attend college in ten or twelve years.
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Campaign Organizing Kits Available - September 11, 2009
The 2009 Organizing Kits for the USSA campaigns, Student Aid Reform and DREAM, are now available! Using these resources, students nationwide can galvanize their peers to take action on these historic and vital pieces of legislation.
For more information on how to organize on your campus, please contact USSA Organizing Director Monique Teal and visit the Take Action! section of the USSA Legislative Department's homepage.
This is our time as college students to stand united and demand the change we've been fighting for, the Obama Administration has proposed, and Congress is debating. We cannot let this moment pass! Let's make education a right!
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The Responsibility of an Education - September 8, 2009
"Every single one of you has something you’re good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what that is. That’s the opportunity an education can provide," said President Obama in a speech to grade students as they head back to school this week. The tone of his speech was reminiscent of JFK's call to public service, a responsibility bore by each citizen derived simply from being an American. In today's case, the president challenged grade school students to make the most of their education by using their knowledge to serve their country.
Those fortunate enough to achieve a higher education have a similar charge to put their degrees' to use; however, there's a caveat. A K-12 education is guaranteed by the state, a higher education is not. Children and teenagers in this country are given an incredible opportunity to exercise their creativity in arts and literature, discover the vast and exciting world of science, and develop critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills through mathematics and social studies. Their worries are not how to finance their education, only how to best employ it. This needs to be the reality college students. If, as the president so ardently advocates, education is the key to our economic and social prosperity, then higher education must be made a right in this country.
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Pres. Gregory Cendana featured on Google Books program - September 4, 2009
President Cendana has been hitting the news networks, both home and abroad, following a major press conference call regarding the Google Books program. Google Books, a program aimed at democratizing knowledge through the online digitization of all the world's books, is supported by the USSA.
"Today, millions of books are accessible only to the privileged few who are accepted to universities and can actually afford to attend," Cendana said. "With Google Books, any student anywhere in the U.S. will have the books in the greatest libraries of the world at their fingertips. The United States Student Association believes that education is a right, and should be accessible for any student regardless of their socioeconomic background and identity."
Click the following links to read more about the USSA's involvement in the Google Books program:
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A dire outlook for young American workers - September 1, 2009
The AFL-CIO recently released a report detailing the plight of young American workers in today’s struggling economy. It should come as no surprise that the financial barriers facing young workers is having an adverse effect on their higher education attainment. Most notably, young people in the workforce are being forced to put their education on hold, delaying their achievement of financial independence. In fact, almost 40 percent of young workers have postponed college because of monetary issues. This number climbs even higher for young people of color.
The need for lending reform is clear, as the report found that nearly 1 in 4 young workers who take out loans for college end up dropping out. For these students to stay in school and better their lives, Congress must pass the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, which will improve the federal lending system and invest heavily in critical retention programs.
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Senator Kennedy Leaves Legacy of Social Justice - August 27, 2009
Senator Edward Kennedy was a steadfast advocate for college students his entire career. The federal aid, access and retention programs, and anti-discrimination policies he championed for four decades has allowed millions of students to achieve a higher education. Specifically, his work in creating the Pell Grant enables millions of low-income students to go to college every year. By taking a leadership position in lowering the voting age to eighteen, Kennedy helped give political voice to millions of civically engaged young adults.
The United States Student Association and students across the country will look to the late senator for inspiration and wisdom in the continued pursuit to make education a right. Opening the college doors for those who cannot afford to pay the skyrocketing cost of a higher education is a noble way to remember Senator Kennedy.
While he will be sorely missed, Senator Kennedy will survive through the community organizing and political courage of those who carry the torch in making this a more just and compassionate world.
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Baseless SAFRA pushback - August 7, 2009
The air seems particularly heavy with partisan ideology these days. Maybe it was Justice Sotomayor's confirmation hearing, perhaps healthcare reform, or even the renewed discussion on police/race relations. Regardless of its foundation, this political zealotry has begun seeping into the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act debate. Hopefully, when Congress returns from the August recess and assumes the SAFRA discourse, common sense will replace partisan entrenchment.
In response to the SAFRA's provision that eliminates the FFEL program and invests the $87 billion savings into the Pell grant, Congressman John Kline, the Ranking Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee, acrimoniously asked "is these any industry not on the verge of federalization?" Congressman Brett Guthrie is not "comfortable with the idea of the federal government acting as a profit-making bank."
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USSA President Gregory Cendana featured nationally and internationally on Google Books program
President Cendana has been hitting the news networks, both home and abroad, following a major press conference call regarding the Google Books program. Google Books, a program aimed at democratizing knowledge through the online digitization of all the world's books, is supported by the USSA.
"Today, millions of books are accessible only to the privileged few who are accepted to universities and can actually afford to attend," Cendana said. "With Google Books, any student anywhere in the U.S. will have the books in the greatest libraries of the world at their fingertips. The United States Student Association believes that education is a right, and should be accessible for any student regardless of their socioeconomic background and identity."
Click the following links to read more about the USSA's involvement in the Google Books program:
- Speak Now, or Forever Hold Your Copyrights!: Inside Higher Ed
- Google Books Deal Battle Heats up: BBC News
- Supporters Press for Google Books Settlement: PC World News
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Wall St. Journal gives voice to graduates riddled with student loan debt
In a recent article of the Wall Street Journal, "Students Borrow More Than Ever for College," author Anne Marie Chaker reports on the sharp increase in student debt during the 2008-2009 academic year. According to the article, student loan borrowing increased about 25 percent to $75.1 billion last year. These yearly increases usually fall between 2 and 17 percent, making last year's increase all the more dire.
With two-thirds of college students borrowing to pay for school, loan debt has become commonplace. The average debt load has risen to $23,186, a financial burden that is taking its toll on many when making major post-grad life choices. Though the article only quotes a few graduates, their sentiment is shared by millions across the United States.
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"I find myself living paycheck to paycheck... I feel like I'm putting my entire life on hold." - Zack, $175,000 in student loans.
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"I wish I had considered the long-term impacts of what I was getting into... the idea was I'd take out the loans, get a job, and pay it back. I feel like it's [student loan debt] shifted a lot of my life goals." - Lillian, $181,000 in debt.
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"Loans have gone from being the exception to being the norm for most students." - Barmak Nassirian, associate executive director of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.
The USSA applauds the Wall Street Journal for giving such public voice to these students and to the issue of student debt. At a time when the economy is forcing a record number of students into debt, this article further show the necessity for student aid reform.
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USSA staff attends Generational Alliance Convening
Members of the USSA staff recently attended a convening of the Generational Alliance, a strategic collaboration of organizations across the country that support the empowerment of of low-income youth, youth of color, and LGBT youth who are pursuing victories for their communities.
The USSA works with members of the Generational Alliance to advance policies and legislation that directly benefits college students across the country. Click here to read more about the alliance.
Members of the USSA and other organizations at the convening
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Applications available for seats on the USSA Board of Directors
There are currently six vacancies on the 2009-2010 Board of Directors. If you are interested in applying, please click here to download the position announcement and application.The deadline for applying is 5:00 pm EST on Monday, September 7th. You will be notified of the decision by September 14th. For more information or questions about the vacancies and application process please contact USSA Vice President Lindsay McCluskey.
The vacancies are:
- New England Region Chair
- Atlantic Region Chair
- Graduate/ Professional Chair
- International Student Chair
- Students of the Jewish Community Chair
- People of Middle Eastern and South Asian Descent Chair
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USSA Honors the late Senator Edward Kennedy
Senator Edward Kennedy was a steadfast advocate for college students his entire career. The federal aid, access and retention programs, and anti-discrimination policies he championed for four decades has allowed millions of students to achieve a higher education. Specifically, his work in creating the Pell Grant enables millions of low-income students to go to college every year. By taking a leadership position in lowering the voting age to eighteen, Kennedy helped give political voice to millions of civically engaged young adults.
The United States Student Association and students across the country will look to the late senator for inspiration and wisdom in the continued pursuit to make education a right. Opening the college doors for those who cannot afford to pay the skyrocketing cost of a higher education is a noble way to remember Senator Kennedy.
While he will be sorely missed, Senator Kennedy will survive through the community organizing and political courage of those who carry the torch in making this a more just and compassionate world.
Click here to read a great article by Campus Progress on Senator Kennedy's contributions to young people.
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SAFRA student aid numbers
The Funding increases in the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act are great, but what do they look like from a campus perspective? Here's a good start:
- The Pell Grant maximum award amount increases to $5,550 in 2010 and $6,900 in 2019. About 6 million students received the Pell Grant in the 2007-2008 academic year.
- Lower interest rates on subsidized federal loans. About 5.5 million students borrow these loans every year.
- Expanding the Perkins Loan program to every college campus. About 495,000 students borrow a Perkins Loan every year.
- The FAFSA will be revised and simplified. In the 2003-2004 academic year, 1.5 million students who likely were eligible for the Pell Grant didn't apply because the FAFSA was too complicated.
Find out more about the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act by clicking here.
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Watch a great DREAM Act video
This video, produced by USSA coalition partner Campus Progress, illustrates how the DREAM Act will help millions of undocumented students attain a college education. Please visit the DREAM Activist homepagefor more information on the DREAM Act.
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Thanks for a great National Student Congress!
Last week, student leaders from around the country convened in Boulder, Colorado for the 62nd annual National Student Congress. As time elapsed on the 2008-2009 leadership and board of directors, student delegates passed an ambitious agenda for the new academic year.
While the closing of Congress brought a rush of excitement about the new national legislative priorities and a renewed sense of community in the student movement, it was also a bittersweet moment as we said thanks to out-going president Carmen Berkley. During her tenure steering the USSA ship, Carmen oversaw membership growth, legislative victories, and was the literal voice of college students time and again. More importantly, Carmen has become an endearing friend to basically anyone who has been involved in the USSA in the past few years. On behalf of the USSA family, thank you Carmen for being a steady leader, caring friend, and all-around great person.
Carmen with USSA staff and Congress delegates
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 62nd annual National Student Congress- it was one of the best yet!
Click here to watch speech highlights and read more about the conference.
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Documentary About Student Loans: URGENT!
Default: the Student Loan Documentary is competing to win $10,000 on Ideablob.com and we need your vote by July 31st. What would $10,000 mean to the project? Today, more than ever, the filmmakers are confident that this documentary is prime for major funding. What is needed to attract the major players is a more informative 15-20 minute piece, and $10,000 helps to make this happen. This version will also strengthen campus outreach.
The polls close Friday, July 31st. Voting is free.
Please take a minute and vote at:
http://ideablob.com/ideas/5677-Default-the-Student-Loan-Docum
After voting, forward the link to at least 5 of your friends and ask them to vote, send it to your colleagues, post it on your Facebook. We can win this! Here is a 5 minute trailer of the film:
Default Trailer 3/18/09 from Default on Vimeo.
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A closer look at the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act
This bill will invest $40 billion to increase the maximum annual Pell Grant
scholarship to $5,550 in 2010 and to $6,900 by 2019. Starting in 2010,
the scholarship will be linked to match rising costs-of-living by
indexing it to the Consumer Price Index plus 1 percent.
Additionally, this bill:
- Invests $3 billion to bolster college access and completion support programs for students. It will increase funding for the College Access Challenge Grant program, and will also fund innovative programs at states and institutions that focus on increasing financial literacy and helping retain and graduate students.
- Strengthens the Perkins Loan program, a campus-based program that provides low-cost federal loans to students, by providing the program with more reliable forms of credit from the federal government and expanding the program to every U.S. college campus.
- Keeps interest rates low on need-based –
or subsidized – federal student loans by making the interest rates on
these loans variable beginning in 2012.
- Makes it easier for families to apply for financial aid by simplifying the FAFSA form. Building on proposals recently put forth by the Obama administration, the legislation will dramatically cut down the number of questions on the form by allowing students and families to apply for aid using the information on their tax returns.
- Invests $1.2 billion in Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions to provide students with the support they need to stay in school and graduate.
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Congressman George Miller writes on the new Student Aid Reform Bill
Congressman George Miller, Chair of the House
Education and Labor Committee, wrote an editorial in Politico yesterday
outlining his recently introduced Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility
Act. According to the California Congressman:
"This legislation will meet two crucial goals at once. It will help more students graduate with less debt by dramatically increasing grant aid and stabilizing student loans. And it will do this without costing taxpayers a dime: a pay-as-you-go college aid transformation."
Read the full article here.
"This legislation will meet two crucial goals at once. It will help more students graduate with less debt by dramatically increasing grant aid and stabilizing student loans. And it will do this without costing taxpayers a dime: a pay-as-you-go college aid transformation."
Read the full article here.
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Joe Ohler Wins the Summer Testimonial Project!
Congratulations to Joe Ohler from University of
Wisconsin-Milwaukee for submitting the winning video for the USSA
Summer Testimonial Project! Please continue submitting videos, as we will use them to help persuade legislators to make college more affordable.
Joe Ohler: Work and College from Joe Ohler on Vimeo.
Click here to watch all the student submissions.
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President Obama Articulates Strong Commitment to Community Colleges
On Sunday, July 12, President Obama published an article in the Washington Post in which he introduced an unprecedented investment in the nation's community colleges. Mr. Obama wrote:
"In an economy where jobs requiring at least an associate's degree are projected to grow twice as fast as jobs requiring no college experience, it's never been more essential to continue education and training after high school. That's why we've set a goal of leading the world in college degrees by 2020. Part of this goal will be met by helping Americans better afford a college education. But part of it will also be strengthening our network of community colleges.
We believe it's time to reform our community colleges so that they provide Americans of all ages a chance to learn the skills and knowledge necessary to compete for the jobs of the future. Our community colleges can serve as 21st-century job training centers, working with local businesses to help workers learn the skills they need to fill the jobs of the future. We can reallocate funding to help them modernize their facilities, increase the quality of online courses and ultimately meet the goal of graduating 5 million more Americans from community colleges by 2020."
The President has not released the details of his plan yet, however a recent draft published by inside higher ed provides some insight on its possible framework. A final plan is expected early this week.
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The Council on Foreign Relations Favors the DREAM Act
The influential Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) recently released a comprehensive U.S. immigration policy study that concluded:"The DREAM Act, reintroduced in the 111th Congress, provides the right model (of earned citizenship) by requiring that young people without status who wish to remain in the United States must attend college or perform military service and demonstrate good moral character in order to earn their eligibility for permanent residence."
The CFR has been a prominent think tank since 1921 and publishes the global politics journal Foreign Affairs; its endorsement adds a great deal of support to the DREAM Act movement. The DREAM Act was introduced on March 26, 2009 in both the U.S. House and Senate and legislators are currently gathering co-sponsors for the bill. Passage of the DREAM Act is one of USSA's top priorities because we believe that all students have the right to attend college to seek a brighter future.
Click on image to learn how you can get involved in this and other federal higher education issues!
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An Easier Way to Pay Back Federal Loans Begins July 1, 2009
Life after college can be hard enough without overwhelming federal loan debt, especially in such a tough economy. Fortunately, beginning Wednesday, July 1, college graduates may pay back their federal student loans in a simpler and more affordable way. The Income-Based Repayment program (IBR), which was a major component of the 2007 College Cost Reduction Act, will allow grads with federal loans to lower their payments if they are in enough debt relative to their income. For most borrows, this means that loan payments will be less than 10% of their income and any remaining debt will be forgiven after 25 years of qualifying payments.
Sounds good, right? This is where it gets a little tricky, so bear with us...
The federal loan payment must be more than 15% of whatever you earn above 150% of poverty level to pay off the loans on a standard 10-year payment plan. So, for example, if you earn below 150% of the poverty level, your required payment will be zero; if you earn more, your payment will be capped at 15% of whatever you earn above that amount.
Click here to learn more about this great opportunity!
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June 2009 Legislative Update
We've just published the June 2009 legislative report! This update covers the Student Aid Reform Bill, Budget and Appropriations, the federal DREAM Act, and FAFSA reform efforts. Contact USSA Legislative Director Angela Peoples if you have any questions._____________________________________________________
Introducing the Summer Job Testimonial Project!
Do you find yourself day-dreaming about a relaxing summer watching TV and drinking smoothies all day as you're toiling away at a thankless summer job, struggling to save up money to pay for tuition next year? Do you know someone who is working a demanding job (or two!) that requires personal sacrifice in order to pay for the unreasonable cost of higher education in this country (and we all know someone!)? We need your help capturing these stories for USSA's Summer Job Testimonial Project!
Over the next two weeks, USSA will collect stories in the form of digital video testimonials from students who are struggling this summer to pay for school. We plan to showcase these stories as a tool for motivating political leaders to take action to meet the needs of students.
The top 15 video clips that we receive from students will be compiled into one DVD that we will share with politicians and the media. Finalists will receive a USSA t-shirt and one testimonial judged as the best will receive a free registration to USSA's National Student Congress in Boulder, CO happening from July 21st-26th! (for more info on Congress go to the USSA Conferences site)
THE DEADLINE FOR VIDEO SUBMISSIONS IS JULY 1ST!
Step-by-step instructions for creating and uploading your entry at: Summer Job Testimonial Project Guidelines and Submissions
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What do President Obama and bank execs have in common?
They're both organizers. Well, at least recently in this case. Not satisfied with being handed millions of dollars by taxpayers, private student loan executives have decided to take up organizing. Recently, several student lenders asked their loan recipients to call congress and send letters to protect their profits. These wealthy executives are worried that President Obama's proposal will take the money they've been making off of hard working students and their families to fund financial aid instead of financing their private jets.Unfortunately for these lenders, students around the U.S. are fighting back! Right now, in every state in the country, facebook groups have been formed to counter these bank executives. Each group serves as a petition to call on Congress to support President Obama's plan to cut wasteful bank subsidies and use the estimated $94 billion in savings to provide grants for students.
CLICK HERE to see a map of every state's facebook group and join to sign the petition today!
In the next 2 weeks, the Education Committees in the House of Representatives will be meeting to make changes on the bills affecting students that they will vote on this fall. They will either continue to allow your money to go to the banks and lenders, or they can invest in America's future by making the Pell Grant and entitlement program so that everyone who wants to go to college has the opportunity to do so. YOUR student voice will make the difference between the choice they make.
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April Legislative Update
As the rest of the country marks the milestone of
president Obama's first 100 days in office, USSA applauds the
administration for continuing to prioritize education reform. The first
months of 2009 have brought about outstanding victories as well as
challenges for current and future students. USSA continues to actively
represent students on Capitol Hill, the Department of Education, and
the White House.
Angela Peoples, USSA's Legislative Director has created an April Legislative update that includes the victories for students and up to date information on the campaigns that USSA is working on.
Read the Legislative update here.
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Federal Budget Passes In The House And Senate!
We Won! Yesterday a historic federal budget passed the House and the Senate with the education investments we fought so hard and haven't seen in generations! There has never been a more important time to invest in America's future and yesterday after all your hard work we made history.
With the passage of this budget we learned two things, first, young people DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE and THE POWER TO WIN victories that change peoples lives! And second, there are still private student lenders making millions off of students to prevent Congress and President Obama from making education a right for every hard working student and family who deserve it.
But the fight is not over. In the coming weeks we will continues to defend out victory as we push Congress to fund the budget proposal they just passed.
Congratulations again and thank you so much for all that you do to make education a right.
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President Carmen Berkley Talks About Student Credit Card Debt
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On April 27, President Carmen Berkley was interviewed on NPR's radio show, All Things Considered, to discuss student credit card debt. President Berkley stressed the struggle that students face when they take out credit cards in order to pay for their college expenses. This interview comes after President Obama met with the heads of credit card companies to discuss this issue last week. This week, Congress will vote on the Credit Card Holders' Bill of Rights. Check out the interview here
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Students Make Their Voice Heard!
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As Congress continues their heated debates around the federal budget and the prospect of reconciliation, students from across the country are making their presence known on Capitol Hill. During USSA's 40th Annual Grassroots Legislative Conference, USSA made approximately 120 lobby visits with members of Congress from across the country. After USSA’s conference students made in district lobby visits in several districts on a local level. In addition, USSA’s Legislative Director, Angela Peoples, has been spending a substantial amount of time meeting with and lobbying a targeted list of Senators and Representatives to pressure congress to enact budget reconcillation, which will allow the federal Pell Grant to go from discretionary to mandatory spending. Aside from lobbying, USSA and the Generational Alliance completed a successful Call In Day on April 21st. The call in day was comprised of national youth organizations that came together to make over 1,000 phone calls to Member of Congress in support of President Obama's budget priorities. Students called from the following states: KS, CA, OR, WA, AZ, CO, MN, WI, MA, PA, FL, & MI. Since the beginning of the Congressional recess, USSA and our Student Labor Action Project have sent over 3,600 letters to Congress from 46 states in opposition of Sallie Mae and other student lending companies to make sure that Congress votes for students and their education before they subsidize any more money to the private loan companies. This past November, students came out in droves to vote for their members of congress, and during this budget process, their voices are finally being heard! These victories prove that students are paying attention to the decisions Congress makes and we are making sure that Members of Congress know why they should make education a priority throughout this budget process.
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Students Fight to Uphold Strong Federal Budget
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Student Economic Stimulus
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Budget Spotlight - Arizona Student Association
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Speaker Pelosi Agrees - "Education is a Right"
On Thursday, January 8th, USSA was invited to the Joint Congress Session where the Official Electoral College Ballots were cast! USSA Vice President Gregory Cendana had the honor of representing millions of member students across the country at this historic event. Following the Ballot ceremony, Gregory participated in a press conference with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. She ensured Gregory that education was going to be a key component of Congress’s economic recovery package and thanked USSA for our hard work to turn students out to support education this election. In the below picture, Gregory and Speaker Pelosi share their commitment to education.