Representative Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) is teaming up with Representative Susie Lee (D-NV) to introduce a bipartisan bill to lower education costs.
What the Bill Does
The Earn to Learn Act is modeled after Arizona's Learn to Earn program, in which eligible students make a $500 deposit into an educational savings account matched by $8 for each $1 through public, university, and philanthropic support.
As a result, participants can earn up to $4,500 per academic year to cover educational expenses.
The Arizona program has a 90% retention rate, and students who are in the system graduate with less than $10,000 in student debt on average.
What Lawmakers are Saying
"As a community college alum, first-generation college graduate, and Pell Grant recipient, I know firsthand how life-changing access to higher education can be and how it can change the trajectory of a young person's life and make the American Dream possible," said Rep. Ciscomani in a press release. "Earn to Learn has a proven track record in Arizona, equipping students who need it most with the resources and financial tools they need to succeed."
He emphasized that "at a time when our nation faces a growing skilled labor shortage, we should take this proven matched-savings model nationwide to help students finance their education, build strong financial literacy, and gain the skills they need to strengthen our workforce. I'm proud to join Representative Lee in introducing the bipartisan Earn to Learn Act to reduce student loan debt, make higher education more affordable, and expand opportunity for young Americans across the country. Every student deserves the same opportunity to attend college, pursue their goals, and build a better future."
Rep. Lee added, "Education is the key to opportunity. Like many, I put myself through college with the help of scholarships, loans, and a number of part-time jobs. Unfortunately, the cost of higher education has skyrocketed, and it's beyond cost-prohibitive for far too many American families. We need this bipartisan, commonsense bill to make higher education less expensive and to ensure opportunities to study, train, and learn key skills are truly accessible to everyone."
