DeLauro Meets with Local Community College Students, School Leaders

Visits Gateway Community College to discuss impact of budget cuts on education

New Haven, CT – Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (CT-3) held a roundtable discussion at Gateway Community College in New Haven today with school president Dr. Dorsey Kendrick and a group of students who have returned to school to further their education and better their chances of finding a job.

Congresswoman DeLauro serves as Ranking Member on the Labor, Education, Health, and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees, among other issues, the budget for our country’s educational system. She toured the campus and spoke with students about their education, their goals, and how cutting education funding would prevent students from being able to afford classes, restricting their education and potentially costing them jobs.

She also discussed the new House majority’s budget for the remainder of the year, which was passed the House of Representatives last week and includes significant cuts to education funding. Ultimately, a final budget will need to be approved by the House, Senate, and President.

“I believe higher education opens doors of possibility for every American, and that we are a stronger, richer country when everyone can get an education and pursue their dreams. That is why I have fought for years to make college more affordable and available to all Americans. In the last Congress, we successfully reformed the student loan system and changed the student loan program to cut costs and expand educational opportunities.

“But the new majority in the House is looking for ways to cut federal spending, including critical investments in education such as Pell grants. These cuts could translate to 1.3 billion students across the country losing over $2500 in financial aid, including over 12,000 students from 54 colleges in Connecticut. This is not the way forward— we need more people going to college, to help improve their futures and the future of our economy. And people need help right now. In order to lead the world in innovation, every American should have the opportunity to get an education and make a better life for themselves and their family. I will be working hard to see this funding restored and to see that we maintain and even strengthen these critical education and financial aid programs.”