Higher Education Access Act

On a recent trip to Washington DC I decided to see if I could talk to a few of our notable Representatives in Congress. Rep. George Miller was not only available but eager to talk with me about the outreach the Committee had done in the first 100 days of the New Congress in 2007 to work with students on how we can make higher education easier and more manageable for students.

Some friends who work on the Hill told me that he was a great guy, and very forward thinking when it comes to technology and outreach, but I had no idea he would be as engaging and eager to talk about the needs of students and ways in which we can continue our work after Election Day. It was a true honor, and I certainly look forward to seeing what is possible in the 2009 Legislative Session.

Crossposted from Wiretap Magazine

We won. The amendment was destroyed 36-61. All Democrats (except Nelson) voted with us, so be sure to thank your representative for sticking up for students instead of filling the pockets of corporations. You can look at the vote breakdown here.

The Senate is voting on the full bill now, which should pass without any problems.

Thanks to everyone who helped in this fight, including US PIRG, College Affordabilty Now, Free Exchange on Campus, and Campus Progress.

Cross posted at MyDD and Daily Kos.

Another update on Nelson-Burr (aka the corporate lender welfare amendment). Word is that the vote is going to be around noon today and it is going to be tight. Yesterday, Rick Enzi, ranking Republican on the Senate Education committee declared that he would vote against the amendment, potentially bringing a number of Republicans over with him. A number of Senators s are on the fence - particularly Tester on the Democratic side and Smith on the Republican side - but many of the Senators listed below don't really know anything about the amendment or how it would impact students.

Give them a call before noon today. Tell them why they should vote yes on the bill and no on the Nelson-Burr amendment. The Capitol Switchboard can be reached at (202) 224-3121.