We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
…And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.
Abstract: The College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007 (CCRAA) will cut interest rates on subsidized federal Stafford loans in half by 2011. Subsidized loans are those that the government pays interest on while a student is in school and a short time after graduation, said Justin Draeger, spokesperson for the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. In addition to lowering interest rates, the act will also increase the amount of appropriated funds given to students through the Pell Grant, Draeger said. The new legislation calls for a $490 increase this year and additional increases in the years 2010 and 2012, he said. The act also established a new Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, Draeger said. This program allows the Secretary of Education to cancel remaining student debt for anyone who has been employed for at least 10 years in a public service field, he added.
Abstract: Onward and Upward! That’s the way we may feel about our career as we work toward the rewards that come from steady promotions. But what happens when the yellow brick road to stardom is replaced by a bridge to nowhere?
If your career has hit an unexpected roadblock, you might be tempted to jump ship and move on to another organization. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, today’s college grad will hold three fulltime jobs before turning 25. Baby Boomers fare no better, having had an average of 11 different jobs before the age of 40. Job hopping might be expected of those beginning a career, but it is discouraged for a seasoned professional because it signals instability at a time when you should be contributing the most.
Before jumping ship, experts say there are things employees can do to speed the promotion process along.
Abstract: Veterans will see dramatic increases in their GI benefits through legislation signed by President Bush yesterday. A $162 billion supplemental spending bill (H.R. 2642) to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan included a host of new benefits for GIs. The bill contains all of the provisions contained in S. 22, a bill authored by Marine Corp. veteran Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) last year. The new law increases educational benefits available to members of the military who have served on active duty since September 11, 2001, including reservists and members of the National Guard. Benefit amounts would be based on the amount of time a veteran had served in the military since 9/11. The benefits would be payable for 36 months, the equivalent of four years of college, and would be available for up to 15 years after a veteran leaves active duty.
The full article was originally published in NASFAA’s Today’s News on 7/1/08.
Abstract: Last month the Department outlined terms and conditions under which it would purchase student loans from lenders to provide them additional liquidity to continue making FFELP loans. Yesterday, the Department came a step closer to codifying those terms and conditions by posting the notice that is to be published in an upcoming Federal Register. The Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act (ECASLA) gives the Secretary of Education authority to offer temporary liquidity to FFELP lenders at prices that will encourage their continued participation in FFELP and maximize student loan availability. The law also requires that the Department provide that liquidity at no net cost to the federal government.
The full article was originally published in NASFAA’s Today’s News on 06/26/08.
A collaboration of industry and academic leaders gathered to address college financing issues in Washington D.C. on May 21, 2008. This segment features me speaking on the student loan crunch.
Abstract: Dear Colleague Letter GEN-08-08, released yesterday afternoon, provides a summary of the recently enacted Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act (ECASLA) and the actions the Department is taking to help ensure that postsecondary students and their parents have access to federal student loans. While many of the details in the DCL have appeared in previous Department communications, the letter offered new guidance on lender of last resort (LLR) provisions and extenuating circumstances for PLUS loans.
The full article was originally published in NASFAA’s Today’s News on 6/20/08.
Abstract: In response to lenders in the Federal Family Education Loan Program that have stopped offering federal student loans to students based on the school they attend, Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Chris Dodd (D-CT) introduced the Preventing Student Loan Discrimination Act yesterday. The bill would prohibit lenders from denying FFELP loans to eligible students solely based on the institution where they attend, the length of their college program, or their income level.
The full article was originally published in NASFAA’s Today’s News on 6/18/08.
The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Business Week, NBC's Today Show, Fox News, CNBC, The Detroit News, Detroit Public Radio, The Boston Globe, The Baltimore Sun, The Greentree Gazette, The Toledo Blade, and more. See the entire list in my "Quoted In" section.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
