Clinton approves $70 million to expand work-study programs

In line with his goals to promote education reform, President Clinton recently announced a proposal to increase by $70 million the Federal Work-Study Program, which annually funds more than 940,000 college students nationwide.

If Congress passes Clinton's initiative, one part of his balanced budget proposal, the $70 million would mark one of the greatest investments in higher education in the past 50 years, according to White House officials.

"For the first time in the nation's history, the only prerequisites to college are preparation and desire," Clinton said in a written statement. "We have delivered on our promise to make 13th and 14th grades as accessible as high school is today. Now you need to seize this opportunity to help us build the promise of America."

In Ann Arbor, students, administrators and political groups are applauding Clinton for his commitment to higher education.

SARA STILLMAN/Daily Engineering first-year student John Lazette shelves books at the Shapiro Undergraduate LIbrary as part of his work-study program. Lazette says he enjoys the flexible hours and relaxed atmosphere of his work-study job.

"I think it's great," said Sara Deneweth, co-director of the College Democrats. "The more students that can receive federal assistance, the more can attend the University. President Clinton is making that possible. We're really excited and support the President's new initiative."

While Clinton and the GOP have disagreed often during Clinton's presidency, both parties are supporting the increased funding for education.

But while the Republican Party agrees on the importance of enhancing the quality of education, it is cautious about overspending, said Sage Eastman, spokesperson for the Michigan Republican Party.

"I think support for education has always been a primary goal of the Republican Party," Eastman said. "Increases through work study is a good idea but we must be fiscally conservative so we can keep spending down."

Clinton also hopes to make education more affordable through a number of additional initiatives: the Hope Scholarship credit, Education IRAs, increased scholarships and loans, and community service to pay for college.

The Hope Scholarship, which the Georgia state legislature already has passed and many other states are considering, gives a student's family a $1,500 tax credit in each of the student's first two years.

University Director of Financial Aid Pamela Fowler said Clinton's proposal will help strengthen an already thriving federal program that granted $3,159,240 last year to 2,497 University students.

"Any increase that results in an increased allocation in federal funds will allow us to make more awards to students and increase awards to students who already have it," she said. "This is always a positive thing for our students."

LSA junior Jeremy Schaefer, who has participated in the work-study program for three years, said federal funding made it possible for him to afford to attend the University. He hopes Clinton's new initiative will help even more students afford to attend the University.

"It has helped me pay the bills," Schaefer said. "I've received roughly $2,000 each year. This would make it more affordable for most people in general."

Even though both Democrats and Republicans are enthusiastic about Clinton's proposals to promote education, state Rep. Mary Schroer (D-Ann Arbor) warned that $70 million might not materialize into lagre increases to individual schools such as the University.

"Seventy million sounds like an incredible amount of money," Schroer said. "I'm on the appropriation committee and $70 million goes pretty quickly."

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