ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, October 11, 1996 TAG: 9610110005
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
D - Democrat
R - Republican
L - Libertarian
VIP - Virginia Independent Party/Reform Party
What policy or policies do you advocate that would help Simone Gabriel - and others like her - who are having trouble paying for college?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``I was the first member of my family to graduate from college and I could not have done so without student loans. I was lucky, because when I went to school the ratio of grant money to loan money was 75-25. Today, that ratio is reversed. Students are forced to borrow more money in order to pay for college, and it's our responsibility to ensure that opportunity is available. That's why, unlike my opponent, I'll fight to protect the student loan program and support a $10,000 tax deduction for college tuition.''
John Warner (R)
"I have consistently supported the student loan program. The program will continue to grow, from nearly $25 billion this fiscal year to over $36 billion by 2001, making it possible for more college-age persons to obtain low-cost tuition financing. I co-sponsored legislation providing for educational savings accounts, allowing parents to save for their children's education. I co-sponsored tuition tax credits to help middle-class taxpayers offset the cost of post-secondary education for their children."
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``I favor a $10,000 per family per year tax deduction for families with students going to college or getting vocational training. This initiative would be a valuable help to students and their families who are working to get ahead and prepare for good jobs.''
George Landrith (R)
``There are several things that Congress can do to make college more affordable and accessible. First, we must allow people to put money away for college, a home, or medical expenses on a tax-free basis. This would effectively make college tuition tax deductible and therefore, much more affordable. Second, the college loan program, if administered properly, does not cost taxpayers a dime, yet it makes it possible for Americans to go to college who otherwise could not afford to go.''
Tex Wood (VIP)
``Some folks do not understand the practical meaning of 'investing in education.' Usually, a well-educated person (unless that person goes into teaching) makes more money, then pays more taxes, amounts far exceeding the original investment. We aid the multi-national corporations and banks with all our foreign aid, money we could be spending right here via expanded education grants to Gabriel and others.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Despite the negative rhetoric from some politicians, Congress has voted to increase Pell grants to their highest level in history to help students like Simone - making this assistance more available and more generous to even more families. In addition, student loans have been increased by 50 percent.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``America is having a hard time sending students to college. I support increasing money available for student loans and a tax deduction for the tuition of a student in a higher education program. My opponent voted to eliminate the Department of Education and cut student loans by $10 billion.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Federal subsidies to graduate schools have inflated undergraduate education prices. Subsidy always distorts prices. Academic special interest has harmed Simone. Repealing the income tax will give Simone a 25 percent increase in income and end the undergraduate education price inflation due to subsidy.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``Congress should enact President Clinton's proposed tax credits for students continuing their educations. The federal government should also increase its commitment to guaranteeing student loans, Pell grants and direct student loans.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``Education is an expensive undertaking. Student loans and grants coupled with part-time work have allowed access to higher education for many, including myself. With desire, determination and sacrifice, the rewards of a college education pay off for a lifetime.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``In the past 14 years the upper limits on student loans have not nearly kept pace with rising costs of obtaining a college education. As a past beneficiary of the student loan program, I advocate that the limit be raised to the same percentage that Congress has raised its own pay in 14 years, approximately 100 percent.''
WANT MORE INFORMATION?
Visit our on-line voters' guide at: www.roanoke.com
LENGTH: Medium: 99 lines KEYWORDS: POLITICS CONGRESSby CNB