Eva M. Clayton: “we are confronted with yet another proposal for change. Too much change in too short a time--a ``dizzying…”

“we are confronted with yet another proposal for change. Too much change in too short a time--a ``dizzying disorientation,'' said the writer Toffler. The majority has outlined plans to abolish or restructure four programs that provide aid to college students. The drastic changes proposed will add almost $13 billion, over the next 5 years, to the cost of going to college. Needy students from across the country who now make the choice to go to college will no longer have a chance to do so. Four programs are targeted--College Work Study; Perkins Student Loans; Stafford Interest-Deferred Student Loans; and Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants. This elimination and restructuring of college student aid programs come hot on the heels of $1.7 billion in cuts in other education programs serving low- and middle-income families. Under College Work Study, Federal dollars are provided to colleges to provide jobs for low- and middle-income students. Three quarters of a million students who worked their way through college last year, will not have that opportunity next year. Under the Perkins Loan Program, the Federal Government provides money to colleges to establish low-interest loan funds for their students. Another three quarters of a million students who borrowed Perkins money for their education last year, will not have that opportunity next year.”