College Affordability under an Obama administration and a new Congress

WASHINGTON—This year, 400,000 qualified high school graduates did not attend college because they and their families could not afford it. Think of how those students felt about their future, and how much their parents agonized over not being able to provide their children with a college education—something most believe is the gateway to economic success in this country.  Now consider the new wave of hope and optimism sweeping the country following the election of a new president—Barack Obama—a man who actively campaigned on making higher education affordable to all who want it. How does Obama plan to do it? What would college affordability legislation look like under an Obama administration working with a Democratic controlled Congress? Young people, who voted in record numbers this year, played a key part in Obama becoming the nation’s first African-American president, and polls show college affordability was one of their top issues. Will they have the same impact in shaping future policies regarding college affordability?  On Friday, November 7, 2008, “Got Tuition?” sponsored a teleconference with reporters to address these questions.  It featured representatives from groups that plan to have an active role in shaping the future debate around college affordability legislation.

 Panelists:      Shilpa Reddy, "Got Tuition?"
                        Bob Brandon, Campaign for College Affordability
                        Bill Shiebler, United States Student Association
                        Heather Smith, Rock the Vote
                        Erica Williams, Campus Progress Action
                        Andrew Myers, Myers Research and Strategic Services

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