Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON, DC – College students in the San Joaquin Valley can expect increased educational opportunities and increased financial aid in the coming years.

Today the House of Representatives passed the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009, marking one of the largest investments in college financial aid in decades. The legislation passed with Congressman Cardoza’s strong support and included his amendment that aims to direct additional assistance to community colleges in the 18th Congressional District.

“Investing in our community colleges, especially the ones in areas with high unemployment, is a crucial part of any economic recovery plan,” Congressman Cardoza said while speaking on the House floor on behalf of his amendment. 

The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act reforms the system of federal student loans to save taxpayers $87 billion. It then invests $77 billion back into education, particularly by making college more affordable, with the remaining $10 billion being used to reduce the federal deficit.

Under the legislation, students in the 18th Congressional District are expected to see their Pell Grant funding increase from the current $44 million to nearly $105 million by the year 2015. Additionally, the number of students receiving Pell Grants from the 18th District is projected to increase from the current 16,000 to 26,000 by 2015.

Under Congressman Cardoza’s amendment to the bill, community colleges in regions with high unemployment rates – such as Merced, Modesto and Stockton – will receive priority consideration when applying for educational grant funding.

“In order to combat the economic storm that has ravaged our community, it is imperative that we make significant investments in our educational system and in our students,” said Congressman Cardoza. “This amendment is important for our future, and is a step toward building a new foundation for prosperity across the Valley.”