The Herald, Sharon, PA Published Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2001

21st CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Congressman offers plans to help more afford college

By Tom Fontaine
Herald Staff Writer

U.S. Rep. Phil English visited four college campuses in the 21st Congressional district Tuesday to tout proposals that would make higher education more affordable.

"College is no longer simply for the wealthy. More and more parents and children realize college is a prerequisite for the middle-class standard of living," English said at Pennsylvania State University’s Shenango Campus in Sharon.

English’s plans would make student-loan interest fully tax deductible; prepaid tuition programs tax-free; and Pell Grants meatier. English said the plans could be passed this year.

About English’s three plans:

  • English has already introduced a plan that would eliminate the five-year limit on deducting student-loan interest, making interest deductible until the loan is paid off.

    The plan also would erase limits on how much can be deducted; this year, no more than $2,500 can be deducted from taxes. Also, more people would be able to deduct interest. The income limits would more than double, to $100,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for joint returns.

    English said the plan would be folded into one of the three or four major tax bills slated for this year -- likely in the third or fourth one.

  • English wants to beef up federal Pell Grants. "Pell Grants have not kept pace with the rate of inflation of college tuition," English said.

    English would increase the maximum grant to $7,000 by 2003. Currently, the maximum is $3,750.

  • English also wants private colleges to be able to offer the same prepaid tuition plans offered by many states. Currently, if the accounts are used on private schools, they are subject to a tax. "Many states offer savings plans for families wanting to save for the future expenses of a child for use at state-supported colleges and universities," English said.

    "By opening the programs up to both private and public institutions, students and parents can choose the school that is the best fit for their needs," English added.



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