DelBene: Expanding Access to College is Vital to America's Success

Press Release

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today met with students at Skagit Valley College to discuss the financial challenges of getting a degree.

"Growing up, my parents struggled financially. But with student loans and financial aid, I was able to go to college and get a great education. It's our responsibility to make sure students today have the same opportunities that were provided to me," DelBene said. "We must work together to bring down the cost of college for working families, which will expand opportunity for all, spur long-term economic growth and strengthen our middle class."

Students told DelBene about the crushing costs of tuition, books, fees and housing. The Congresswoman said government, colleges and businesses should work together to ensure America has the educated and trained workforce it needs to remain economically competitive.

"Students value education and find it a priceless gift of hard work and determination to give to others," said Yadira Rosales, Skagit Valley College (SVC) Acting Director of Multicultural Student Services and Skagit Valley College graduate. "As the cost of college tuition and books rise, we forget that these students are contributing to our society while we continue to ask for them to pay back that gift."

Last week, DelBene reintroduced the E-BOOK Act to help college students save money on textbooks by encouraging the use of low-cost or free digital course materials in higher education. She has also cosponsored legislation that would allow graduates to refinance their student loans to today's lower rates -- more than 450,000 Washingtonians would benefit from refinancing.

Congress will soon consider the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. DelBene believes the E-BOOK Act should be considered as part of the reauthorization, in addition to other measures designed to make college more accessible and affordable.

Every year in Washington state, 56 percent of graduates from four-year universities leave school with student debt, and on average those students owe more than $23,000 upon graduation. Nationally, 41 million Americans are working to repay $1.3 trillion in student loans.

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