Fattah Statement on Final Rule to Strengthen Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program

News provided by

Oct 22, 2014, 10:42 ET

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), a Senior Member on the House Appropriations Committee and co-chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Education Task Force, released a statement on today's Department of Education announcement of the publication of a final rule to strengthen the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program, helping more students and families pay for college.

Together with members of the Caucus, Fattah sent a letter to the Department of Education last October requesting modifications to the credit history guidelines that impact the requirements for PLUS loan eligibility:

"Far too often, students and families lack access to the proper resources and information that might allow them to help finance a college education. Today's announcement by the Department of Education seeks to address this challenge and eliminate some of the financial barriers that have limited families from federal loan eligibility. I applaud the strengthening of the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program that seeks to expand access to secondary education, and I commend the new rule's commitment to transparency and an understanding that economic conditions have changed for many American families since the rule was last updated in 1994. I am especially pleased that the Department solicited input from families and students across the country—including the HBCU community—in reaching this decision.

"I look forward to continuing my work with the Department of Education, to ensure that all students—regardless of race, zip code, or financial status—have the opportunity to succeed in the classroom, graduate from high school, and attend college. Together, we remain committed to educational opportunity for all, as we seek to graduate more of America's youth from college."

www.fattah.house.gov

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fattah-statement-on-final-rule-to-strengthen-federal-direct-plus-loan-program-545247465.html

SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah