WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) today joined college students and other House members in a bi-partisan press conference to discuss Republican plans to cut student aid programs. Todays news conference included Matt Ebert, Chairperson of the Georgetown College Republicans and leaders of the College Democrats of America.
"The Republican proposal will eliminate several college student aid programs -- programs that in my opinion have allowed many students the opportunity to get a college education," Peterson said. "Without these programs, those same students probably would have never gone to college and wouldn't have the future opportunities that they have now.
"And although student loan programs seem to be first in line for cuts, in reality, the Republican tax cut proposal will mean that no program will be immune from cuts.
"I also feel strongly about any proposed student aid cuts because former Minnesota Congresswoman Coya Knutson, who represented this district, is the one who came up with the idea for student loans. Knutson represented the district from 1954 to 1958, and without her leadership, literally millions of people wouldn't have been able to get a college education."
"We must stand in unity to show the Republican leadership that we won't allow these proposed cuts to go through," Peterson continued. "During the Easter break, I will be talking with students, parents and educators throughout the district about these proposed cuts and what I think we need to do to keep the programs in place.