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TheWeekInCongress.com (TM) Week Ending September 21, 2007
H.R.1124 To extend the District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999.
Unlike in the States, high school students in the District of Columbia do not have the option of lower in-state college tuition as do their counterparts elsewhere. This bill continues a 1999 program that provides financial aid to D.C. students attending college outside and within the District. The bill report also notes that D.C. loses tax revenue from families that move to neighboring states to take advantage of lower in-state tuition.
The Mayor of D.C. administers the program that provides tuition scholarships to bring the cost to at or near the in-state rates. The program also provides a $2500 scholarship to attend some private colleges within the Metropolitan area or to attend private, Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The scholarships are capped at $10,000 per year for public colleges with a lifetime cap of $50,000 per student.
The report deems the program as a success, doubling students attending college compared to the year before the program started. In 2005-2006 4,700 students received $30 million to attend schools in 45 states, the District and the US Virgin Islands. The program has helped 11,000 students.
Current funding at $33 million was bumped to $35.1 million in the President’s FY 2008 budget. This year will probably cost $38 million, says the CBO, but carryover funds of $7 million only requires about $30 million in appropriations. CBO further estimates that 5,500 students per year will use the program by 2012 with the average grant about $9,500 for public schools and $2,350 for private schools by 2012
The bill was authorized in 1999 for five years and renewed in 2004 for two years. This bill extends the program for five more years.
Sponsor: Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA-11th) Vote: Passed House 268 to 100 May 14, 2007 RC 342. Passed the Senate 96 to 0 September 17, 2007 (RV 338) Cost to the taxpayers: “CBO estimates that the necessary appropriations would total $208 million over the 2008-2012 period.” Earmark Certification: “H.R. 1124 does not include any congressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of rule XXI. ” ## All Rights Reserved. © 2007 TheWeekInCongress.com(TM) No reproduction, language translation or distribution without written permission from TheWeekInCongress.com.(TM)
MORE INFORMATION ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF THE BILL’S SPONSOR
ADDITIONAL VIEWS OF RANKING MEMBER TOM DAVISWe have traveled a long road with the District of Columbia College Access Act--from initial introduction on March 1, 1999 until today. That journey took us through the predecessor Subcommittee, which I then chaired, to the full Government Reform Committee, to the House and Senate Floor, and then to the White House, where President Bill Clinton signed the measure on November 12, 1999. Every step of the way, the bill to create the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program was unanimously approved on voice votes. President Clinton included sufficient money in his budget submission that year, and a Statement of Administration Policy endorsed the approach we had taken in authorizing use of those funds. We should be deeply proud of the determined, bi-partisan effort which resulted in enactment of this measure and its reauthorization two years ago. Then, as now, we are grateful for the support of our Senate colleagues, particularly Senators Warner, Voinovich and Durbin. And city leaders have embraced the program and made it the success we know today. Both former D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams and the current Mayor, Adrian Fenty, have been strong supporters, and we appreciate their continued advocacy on behalf of the City's students. This law is a classic example of leveling of the playing field. Since the program went into effect, the graduation rate for public school students in the city has doubled. All District students have another strong incentive to stay in school. The five-year reauthorization before us today will enable District residents to continue to attend colleges and universities throughout the nation at in-state rates. The President's Fiscal Year 2008 Budget includes sufficient funds to make that happen. No state, county or city is required to supplement its in-state tuition rate with local funds. This is a unique and highly successful federal investment. Suggestions to cap that investment or require funds from the City would penalize that success. In March of 1999, just after we introduced the first bill, Ms. Norton and I went to nearby Eastern High School to talk with students about their hopes for the future. I will never forget them. It was deeply moving. Many took our hands, looked deep into our eyes, and told us how much they wanted the opportunity to pursue higher learning. Their trust and the hopes of so many future District students hungry to seize their futures rest on what we do here today. I'm proud of all we have been able to accomplish for, and with, the Nation's Capital since 1995, when the city was literally bankrupt. Economic development, public safety, the real estate market, and so many other aspects of city life have changed for the better. But nothing has given me more satisfaction than working to improve the range of options for the District's students. Fighting for equal educational opportunity is one of the reasons I entered public life. We need a healthy city to have a healthy Metropolitan Washington Region. Reauthorizing this law, which has expanded higher educational choices, is an enormous leap forward. It is a critical element of our strategic vision for a vibrant future. TOM DAVIS.
Amendments Amendments For H.R.11241.
S.AMDT.2887 to
H.R.1124 To exempt millionaires from receiving educational scholarship
funds intended for needy families. s from a family with a taxable annual
income of less than $1,000,000.''. 2. S.AMDT.2888 to H.R.1124 To prohibit the Federal Government from favoring public colleges and universities over private colleges and universities under the District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999. Section 6 of the District of Columbia College Access Act of 1999 (113 Stat. 1327; Public Law 106-98) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(i) Non-Discrimination for Private School Students.--In awarding grants under this Act to eligible institutions, the Mayor shall pay amounts, on behalf of eligible students, that are equivalent regardless of whether the students attend a public or private eligible institution.''.
## All Rights Reserved. © 2007 TheWeekInCongress.com.(TM) No reproduction, language translation or distribution without written permission from TheWeekInCongress.com.(TM)
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