Representative Mike Kelly Issues Warning on Gainful Employment Regulation

Statement

U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Education's final gainful employment regulation announced yesterday by the Obama Administration:

"The gainful employment regulation is another example of the federal government picking winners and losers. The Obama Administration believes that the Department of Education should have the power to determine whether students attending or planning to attend a proprietary college will earn enough money throughout their careers to justify federal student aid. This is a policy that is anti-choice on its face and will limit opportunity for countless Americans pursuing a better way of life.

"More than three million students attend propriety colleges each year, offering largely underserved, non-traditional students, such as single parents, first-generation college students, and working adults, an alternative to traditional colleges or universities.

"At a time when 13 million Americans are unemployed, we need to support workers in their efforts to develop new skills and remain competitive in an ever-changing workforce. For some, a four-year liberal arts degree is out of the question, and they shouldn't be denied aid because they have chosen a different educational path.

"Several of my colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, and I sent President Obama a letter demanding that this anti-choice, job-destroying regulation be withdrawn. Despite this and other bi-partisan efforts, the administration has decided to move forward.

"Thousands of Americans and educators have voiced their opposition to this regulation, and while yesterday's announcement was disappointing, we will continue our fight on behalf of all students who want to develop the training and skills they need to compete in the workforce and make their way in the world."

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