You may have read about Senator Ben Nelson (Dem-Neb.) being the last holdout on health care reform for the Democrats (and what he was able to secure for Nebraska in return)...this got me wondering about the role he might play with student loan reform. Here are just a few of his published comments and mentions in recent press accounts:
- Washington Post: "It's not just thinking about your state," he said. "I have a
fundamental difference in opinion thinking that all student aid ought
to come from the government."
- Under the ECASLA extension supported by Nelson, the Dept. of Education has the authority to purchase ALL loans originated by FFEL lenders. For 2008-09 academic year, the Department purchased 76.1% of the loans originated by FFEL lenders, based on data presented at FSA conference.
- On Chattanoogan.com, Nelson opined on an extension for ECASLA: “This successful program has helped lenders to continue to provide student loans in this difficult economic climate. Allowing the program to expire could pull the rug out from under current students who need the loans to continue their education. This extension will allow a successful program to continue supporting the education of America's college-bound.”
- The Hill: "Sen. Ben Nelson (D) of Nebraska, which is also Nelnet’s home state, has joined Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), ranking member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and other Senate Republicans in sponsoring legislation to extend the present system for another year. Nelson is the only Democratic co-sponsor of the legislation."
Still waiting for the legislation to be introduced by the HELP Committee..maybe it won't be under the Christmas tree after all.
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