by Senator Will Espero
District 19
Democrats believe in extending the ladder of opportunity because the overall well-being of society improves as more citizens are able to reach their goals. As we and our neighbors achieve our own “American dream,” our well-being spills over into the community. That is why Democrats have traditionally invested in education, in job training, in strengthening families, and home ownership. Becoming better educated, acquiring valuable workplace skills, being able to buy a home of our own and shape our family lives in a positive way, all contribute to the stability and productivity of society.
Under the Bush Administration, federal financial aid was cut by $12.5 billion, drastically reducing the amount of student aid available for our high school graduates to attend college. Funding restrictions put the maximum Pell Grant at $4,050 for 2003-2004, up to $4,731 for 2008-2009. With rising tuition and other higher education costs, these Bush Administration reductions strained the ability of students to obtain the training they needed for the career goals they had.
“With all the punditry, all of the lobbying, all of the game-playing that passes for governing in Washington, it’s been easy to doubt our ability to do such a big thing, such a complicated thing, to wonder if there are limits to what we, as a people, can still achieve. But today, we are affirming that essential truth – a truth every generation is called to rediscover for itself – that we are not a nation that scales back its aspirations. We are not a nation that falls prey to doubt or mistrust. We don’t fall prey to fear. We are not a nation that does what’s easy. That’s not who we are. That’s not how we got here. We are a nation that faces its challenges and accepts its responsibilities. We are a nation that does what is hard. What is necessary. What is right.” With those gallant words, President Barack Obama pronounced the historic new law of the land.
