Stop the chop

Clinton's trimming of federal loan contradicts his education stance

When President Clinton proposed his budget this week, he was applauded for presenting the first balanced budget in 30 years. The federal government deserves praise for this feat.

However, some cuts may have been overlooked and seem to be contradictory to the president's stance on education.

The preliminary federal allocation for the Federal Perkins Loan program at the University was cut by about $85,000. The program was started in 1958 and is the oldest federally supported student aid program in the country. It benefits mostly low-income families.

"While it is true that the number of students affected by this cut is marginal, this may start a negative trend."

Because of the nature in which this loan program is funded, only 10 percent of the University's funding for the program is allocated by the federal government. The remaining money comes from a revolving fund made up of interest and loan payments. This means about 55 students at the University will be affected by the cut.

While it is true that the number of students affected by this cut is marginal, this may start a negative trend.

Clinton has previously hailed his efforts to make higher education more affordable for families across the country. Any cuts to this vital loan program are contradictory to his push to achieve that goal.

Though both state and federal grant programs have been growing in recent years, we must not overlook how vital loans are to easing the burden of paying for college.

As it stands, grants are secure for many students and loans are an easy and affordable way to offset high tuition costs.

Clinton has said "education is our highest priority" and it can be agreed that education is one of the most important issues facing our nation. That is why cutting programs that make education more readily available contradicts Clinton's own goals.

We strongly hope that this action does not start a trend in reducing the availability of higher education and offset everything the president has done to make college more affordable.

As tuition costs across the country continue to rise, we have the opportunity to act now. We must not allow any further cuts to programs that give everyone the opportunity to continue their educational pursuits.