Across the country,national legislators are being pushed by student governments to pass a bill that should be designed such as to help students attend higher education and cover college expenses.
Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA)
On Sept. 17, Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) has been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 253 to 171. O Oct. 15 the act will be voted on in the Senate.
If the bill is passed, SAFRA the federal financial aid system will be rebuild by providing more money to the U.S. Department of Education and so the government will get rid of loans that they buy from banks. SAFRA also expands programs in order to support college enrollment and also to increase graduation rates.
United States Students Association (USSA)
The United States Students Association (USSA) is the national voice for students on Capitol Hill.
The government has been slow in raising the amount of scholarships to match inflation, and many students have not been able to pay tuition. Every few years the amount of money for loans is supposed to increase, but during the past decade higher education has not been a high priority.
Pell grant
Under SAFRA, more money will be invested by the federal government in the Pell grant. In 2010 the Pell grant offers $5,550 in individual scholarships to students and by 2019 it will increase up to $6,900.
Perkins Loan
The Perkins Loan, which is another federal program, provides loans to need-based students who are not able to receive the Pell grant. It has been stated by USSA on their website that SAFRA will expand the Perkins Loan to more universities and they will raise funds from $1 billion to $6 billion.
According to USSA, SAFRA has made plans to invest $2.55 billion to fund more education programs at post-secondary minority-serving institutions. It has also been said by USSA that the bill invests $10 billion in community colleges and $3 billion in college access and completion support programs.
