Growing Concern About SAFRA Inclusion in Reconciliation; New Jobs Bill Introduced

Today, Congressional leaders and the Administration continue discussions and negotiations on health-care reform legislation. As the discussion progresses, there are growing concerns about the inclusion of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) in health-care reconciliation legislation. With a small group of Democratic Senators opposing the current form of SAFRA, the outlook for passing a health-care bill that includes SAFRA is becoming increasingly difficult. ACCT continues to advocate for SAFRA and is monitoring the situation. Community college trustees, presidents and other leaders who are currently attending the 2010 National Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. continue to urge their members of Congress to include SAFRA in the reconciliation.

In other news, the Senate today passed H.R. 4213, The American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010. This bill largely extends several exporting or expired programs including several of interest to education, such as the deduction. The bill passed 62-13. The bill now returns to the House, which passed its original version on last December. The Senate still has to consider the House amendments to H.R. 2847. This is the "smaller" $15-17 billion jobs bill, which includes additional subsidies for school construction bonds.

Also, Education and Labor committee Chairman George Miller (D-CA) today introduced a new jobs bill, The Local Jobs for America Act. This bill includes the $23 billion for education aid that was part of the December House-passed Jobs for Mainstreet Act, and an additional $75 billion over two years to local governments to help retain workers - including school employees. More information is available at: http://georgemiller.house.gov/news/2010/03/congress_and_mayors_announce_n.html Read more!

Rep. Tom Latham: "Community Colleges Leading America to Energy Independence"

Community Colleges Leading America to Energy Independence

A guest blog by Iowa Congressman Tom Latham

Iowa’s 4th Congressional District

In recent years, the spark that community colleges have traditionally provided for their local economies through job training and outreach has also helped ignite profound advances in renewable energy and green technologies.

I’ve watched with pride as community colleges throughout my home state of Iowa have established innovative programs that train students to run and repair the latest cutting edge renewable energy equipment. For example, Iowa Lakes Community College boasts a degree program that trains students to become wind energy technicians. Graduates of the program enter a growing industry with skills that will put them at the front of the line for high-tech jobs maintaining windmills and other renewable energy technology.

To support these efforts, I’ve introduced legislation that would grant tax incentives to renewable energy companies that donate equipment to community colleges and other institutions that train workers for jobs in renewable energy. This bill—H.R. 1249—titled the “Equipping a 21st Century Green Workforce Act,” will help community colleges develop renewable energy programs that provide students with hands-on experience with new equipment and technology.

Community colleges across the country are paving the way toward energy independence, job growth and a safer and greener America. As a co-chair of the Congressional Community College Caucus, I’ve gotten a close look at the benefits community colleges provide for their local economies, and I’m proud to do my part to make sure they have the tools they need to continue to improve the lives of Americans. This country is ready for energy independence, and community colleges can help lead the way.

Click here for H.R. 1249.

ACCT supports H.R. 1249 and other efforts to help community colleges provide training for the greening of our workforce and the economy.

We encourage our membership to reach out to their members of Congress in support of this piece of legislation. Congressional Members can be reached through ACCT's Policy Center.

Read more!