March 30, 2012

Help Me Maintain Student Loan Assistance
I talk all the time with families and students from across the district with concerns about the rising costs of higher education. This week we celebrate the two year anniversary of President Obama signing the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act. This law made an historic investment in making college more affordable for students by providing more opportunities to fund higher education, improving the quality of education, and ensuring a brighter future for our nation.

The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act increases the maximum Pell Grant Scholarships to $5,550. Approximately 8 million U.S. students rely on Pell Grant Scholarships each year to help pay for college. This law expands the Income-Based Repayment Program (IBR) to allow current students and borrowers to cap their federal student loan payment at 10% of discretionary income and forgives remaining balances after 20 years of repayment. This ensures students who work hard and continue paying their student loans won't be burdened with their debt indefinitely.

I want to put Coloradans and Americans back to work by providing them the tools for success, and higher education is a tool for our children’s and our country's future, and critical for our ability to compete in the global economy. Please help me encourage Congress to maintain these critical investments and not cut these successful programs.

Upcoming Events
Government in the Grocery
This is a program where I go to grocery stores throughout the district to talk one-on-one with constituents. I look forward to meeting with you to talk about whatever is on your mind. Government in the Grocery is about being available to listen to you in a less formal setting. This kind of access is essential to the fabric of our democracy. Please note that due to time constraints, constituents will be given priority and individuals and groups may be limited to approximately 5 minute intervals.

What:	Government in the Grocery
When:	Saturday, March 31 from 10 am to Noon
Where:	Safeway - 7561 W. 80th Avenue, Arvada, CO 80003 | MAP IT!

April

4/11	Government in the Grocery | 5:00 to 7:00 pm | Safeway - 13111 W. Alameda Pkwy | MAP IT!
4/14	Colorado Academy Information Day | 1:00 to 4:00 pm | Aurora Central High School | Click Here for More Information
4/28	Congressional Art Competition Reception | 1:00 to 3:00 pm | Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design | Click Here for More Information

Constituent Success Story My office is here to help the hard working people of the 7th Congressional District cut through some of the red tape when dealing with a government agency. If you are having an issue with a federal agency, please call my office. My staff and I will always do our best to help. I'm proud my office was able to help James receive his VA Home Loan.

"I had a problem with the VA acquiring my certificate of eligibility for VA Home Loans. I contacted Ed's office and very soon my problem was resolved."