Issue Position: Freedom to Achieve
Issue Position
Issue Position: Freedom to Achieve
"Belief in the American Dream is shrinking - but it's a wallet deficit, not a dream deficit. We need to ensure that all students have access to higher education, regardless of their zip code."
As a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Senator Mikulski is fighting to make sure students and their families have access to higher education by:
Making college more affordable.
Providing students with the tools and resources they need to stay competitive.
Working to increase the number of students earning science, engineering and math degrees.
Fighting for Families and Students
Senator Mikulski is working to ensure that higher education is an affordable option:
Working to establish a college tuition tax credit of $4,000 per student, per year.
o For full-time, part-time and students not seeking degrees.
o Credit would be refundable and would apply even if the taxpayer does not owe taxes.
Fighting to double Pell Grants from $4,050 to $8,100, so more students can finish school debt free.
Advocating for increased assistance to community colleges so they can achieve the resources needed to increase enrollment and keep tuition affordable.
Fighting to lower interest rates on student loans so that more money goes to students, not banks.
Helping America Remain Competitive
Supporting Higher Education Institutions in Maryland
Senator Mikulski is committed to giving students the tools and opportunities they need to participate in the global economy and fighting for legislation that:
Identifies areas of national need and creates 5,000 fellowships for graduate study in those areas.
Increases the number of students earning science, math and engineering degrees by offering $20,000 scholarships for 25,000 students.
Creates a tax credit for practicing scientists and engineers who are participating in continuing education courses.
Continues to improve the visa process for international students and scholars to attract and retain the best and brightest.
Senator Mikulski fights for critical funding to help Maryland's universities continue to lead the nation in science and technology research, and provide programs that meet the day-to-day needs of Marylanders by:
Providing funding for nursing scholarships and loan forgiveness programs to combat America's nursing shortage.
Securing federal investment to assist Villa Julie College in expanding its Nursing Distance Education Program.
Advocating for the expansion of the University of Baltimore Forensic Crime Studies Program.
Working to provide funds for the University of Maryland to increase graduate study opportunities in emerging areas of national need, including math, science and engineering.
Fighting to make sure Goucher College can continue to support the internships and volunteer activities of their students by securing funds for a Community Service Center.
April 2007
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