New Bill Proposal Makes Students Call-In to their Legislature

Last month, in hopes of protecting federal aid and loans programs, hundreds of students participating in a national call-in. Students hit up telephone lines all day in an effort to shoot down the 2005 College Access and Opportunity Act. Sponsored by CalPIRG and ASUC, the day long petitioning urged students to vote against the controversial bill by calling their legislature and letting know how they felt.

With the potential of being forced to pay an additional $6,000 in student loans students stood strong, called in, and forced the government to listen. CalPIRG member Karl Siganporia was a part of the call-in effort, “This was all part of a massive effort to combat cuts in student aid.” “It was definitely a moral victory for our cause.”

The problem started when the education committee U.S. House of Representatives freed up $11 million by cutting back on student programs. The money is said to help cut back on the federal deficit, and does so by changing around the Higher Education Act from last July. The prevention of students’ consolidating their loans while still enrolled in college and omission of government rebates are a few of the many ideas that the student-loan program will be affected by. ASUC senator Vishal Gupta also stands against the bill proposal, “Students shouldn’t have to pay more for higher education.” He also goes on to say that if enough phone calls are made then legislature has to come out with a response.

Starting off strong is most important and Junior Sushani Chandramouli agrees. “More proactive campaign strategies and high participation rates, like writing letters to legislatures and visiting congressional offices could be very effective in helping the students cry be heard.”

The Congressional vote will be made this fall.

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