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Please note, we interviewed Rep. Hinojosa on March 15 prior to the March 18 announcement of the Student Aid Bill being included in the reconciliation process with the Health Care Bill.1
Andrew Hibel, HigherEdJobs: Representative Hinojosa, as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Competitiveness, can you explain briefly what the primary duties of this Subcommittee are and how it operates within the Committee on Education and Labor?2
Congressman Ruben Hinojosa: The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over all federal higher education programs including student financial aid, adult education and minority serving institutions. Its first priority is completing work on the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act. In addition, the Subcommittee will reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act that funds job training programs, adult education programs and English as a Second Language programs. We of course work hand-in-hand with the Chairman of the Committee on Education and Labor, the Honorable George Miller, and committee members.
Hibel: In your opinion, how does the Committee on Education and Labor most affect our colleges and universities?
Rep. Hinojosa: The Committee on Education and Labor has a tremendous impact on the legislation that is carried through the halls of Capitol Hill and into the White House. Since the Education and Labor Committee has jurisdiction over all federal higher education programs, the Committee’s work has a tremendous role in ensuring affordability and accessibility in higher education. Last fall, the Committee passed the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, H.R. 3221, the single largest investment in student aid in our nation’s history. When enacted, the bill will invest tens of billions of dollars in Pell Grants; build a world-class community college system; make landmark investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics); and make student loans more reliable and affordable for students and families.
Hibel: You have been recently quoted as saying, “The legislation will increase affordability, accessibility and college completion rates, particularly for first generation college low-income, minority and middle-class students.”3 We understand that this type of legislation is highly important to you, as you are a strong advocate for the educational advancement of Hispanics, especially in the areas of engineering, science and technology. Could you explain more about this commitment and how it has been reflected in your efforts furthering the Hispanic Engineering Science and Technology (HESTEC) Program?4
Rep. Hinojosa: I have been committed to increasing the number of Hispanic students who will receive degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, or STEM fields. In 2001, I joined forces with the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA), in Edinburg, Texas to create HESTEC (Hispanic Engineering, Science and Technology Week), a weeklong event that brings the world of technology to students of all ages, parents and educators. The idea was to raise awareness in these fields to children who would probably have never thought they could even earn a degree in any field. We hope to inspire students by bringing in Latino professionals, like NASA astronaut Juan Hernandez. Over 50,000 people came to see him and listen to his inspirational life story. Today, UTPA is the eighth largest producer of Latino math degrees in the nation!
Hibel: It appears that currently, the main bill that would impact higher education the greatest is H.R. 3221 (it passed the House in September), the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009.5 Would you highlight some of the most significant ways you think it will impact higher education?
Rep. Hinojosa: The impact will be felt and seen in our nation’s work force of the future. By keeping higher education more affordable and accessible in our Minority-Serving Institutions, this means more opportunities for students to complete their education. This will also have a direct economic impact on local communities. As these institutions are usually in close proximity to the communities they serve, these investments will create a new generation of minority professionals.
Hibel: By passing H.R. 3221, what do you feel is the message Congress is sending to staff and faculty regarding their careers at higher education institutions?
Rep. Hinojosa: We are sending the message that we understand just how important their work is to our country. They are the professionals who prepare our students to enter into the work force. Their vocation is never ending. We in Congress want them to know that we are listening and we are doing all we can to help them help their students.
Hibel: H.R. 3221 is projected to terminate all private lending programs by June of 2010 and cap interest rates for subsidized loans at 6.8 percent.6 Why is this important to the college student seeking loans?
Rep. Hinojosa: Our main interest is in the students and how they rate as they go through their college years. For too long, lending companies have had only their own interests at heart. We are offering students a safe and secure means of borrowing money with the sole idea of helping them earn a college degree.
Hibel: As stated on GOP.gov,7 “The bill eliminates the Federal Family Education Loan Program and shifts all student loans to a government-run and taxpayer-financed system under the Direct Loan Program, as well as creates nine new programs and increases the federal government takeover of early education, higher education, school construction, and more.” What do you think of the alternate Republican proposal of a taxpayer-financed system?8
Rep. Hinojosa: This bill is a major step forward in President Obama’s initiative to make sure America once again leads the world in college graduates by 2020. The Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) will reform the system of federal student loans to save the taxpayers $87 billion and will direct $10 billion back to the Treasury to reduce entitlement spending. SAFRA will change the way the student loan system functions by originating new loans through the government’s Direct Loan Program, but will maintain competition among private lenders and non-profits to provide top-notch customer service for student borrowers. This simple change will make college loans more reliable for students and families, and ensure that loans operate in the best interests of borrowers by reducing many of the potential conflicts of interest that exist in the current loan system. I believe this is the best path and the best plan to help our students accomplish their higher education goals.
Hibel: As we all should be concerned about the environment, part of the bill allocates money to community colleges and other schools to help reduce their “carbon footprint.” Why do you think money should be invested in these environmental efforts?
Rep. Hinojosa: This is an investment in our planet. This is an investment in our children and grandchildren and their grandchildren. We want to make sure we are creating a learning path that will change the way people treat the planet so that it keeps our environment healthy.
Hibel: Secretary of Education Duncan testified before the Committee on Education and Labor on March 3rd.9 In his testimony, he stated that Pell Grants will be increased to $5,710 in the 2011 budget, nearly a $1,000 increase since President Obama took office. What difference do you feel the White House and the state of our economy have played in the desire to make such a dramatic change so quickly?
Rep. Hinojosa: President Obama and the members of Congress are working together to make the president’s initiative a reality. The president wants to make sure America once again leads the world in college graduates by 2020. While we all have to tighten our belts in our current economic situation, we must also make sure we keep the doors to our universities and colleges open to low-income students. That is why we are working on ways to create student loans but at the same time, save taxpayers money. President Obama has said that education is a priority. H.R. 3221 is the largest-ever investment in higher education. It is the right investment for the future of our country.
Hibel: From your biography10 on your website, we understand that “developing a highly educated, well-trained work force” has been instrumental in your record-breaking reduction of the unemployment rates in your congressional district. What pieces of advice do you have to the people across the country who may currently be unemployed or underemployed?
Rep. Hinojosa: In my district in Deep South Texas we are seeing a trend of the unemployed and the underemployed signing up for courses in our community colleges. One of the things I have always stressed is continued education, especially if someone needs to either upgrade their skills for the job they are in, or learn new skills for a new career. I believe community colleges offer great opportunities for those who are seeking employment. Highly educated, well-trained people are more likely to be hired for the good jobs. Another benefit is that it is more likely that the student will stay in his or her community and if that happens in high numbers, the unemployment rate begins to drop.
Hibel: Over the years, you have stressed that the more prepared a child is from pre-kindergarten all the way to high school, there will be a higher chance of this student attending post-secondary schooling and succeeding. Part of the money from H.R. 3221 is projected to go into early childhood programs. What do you think needs to be done in order to prepare students to succeed after high school?
Rep. Hinojosa: We must strengthen our nation’s public schools to ensure that every child is college and career ready. Promoting early literacy and transforming our lowest performing middle and high schools are critically important steps in preparing our students for college and the career of their choice. During my tenure in Congress, I have also supported increased federal investments in programs such as RIF (Reading is Fundamental), GEAR-UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), TRIO, and HEP-CAMP. These programs have done a tremendous job in preparing some of our neediest students for college, STEM careers, and family-sustaining jobs.
Hibel: Could you describe STEM programs (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and why they are more important than ever today?
Rep. Hinojosa: STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. These are career fields that historically have not been the main choice for minority students. I’ve long encouraged students to look into the future and envision themselves as scientists, engineers and even astronauts. We are coming very close to falling behind other countries when it comes to producing STEM field degrees. This plays an extremely important role in our economic standing in the world. We must always make sure that we keep up with the latest technology. We must strive to produce professionals in the fields that will keep us ahead of the competition. Our economy and our world standing depend on this.
Hibel: How do you feel faculty and staff at colleges and universities should be following Congress, and specifically your subcommittee?
Rep. Hinojosa: I feel faculty and staff at colleges should follow Congress, and specifically my subcommittee, very closely. For one very good reason–what we do affects them as well. We are their elected officials who are willing to listen to their concerns. We want to get it right the first time and their advice is always welcome.
Hibel: We frequently ask our guest about their best career advice to job seekers in higher education. As in many industries, employment for faculty and staff in academe is changing. It is easy to see this Congress values the work we do. On behalf of yourself and your congressional colleagues, what would you say to encourage professionals who may be questioning their career choice to recommit to his or her higher education career today?
Rep. Hinojosa: I believe the people who become educators are called into this incredibly important profession. They do this knowing what comes with the territory and that sometimes becomes a sacrifice. But in my years of visiting with school teachers, whether it be in South Texas or South Korea, I see the same inspired mind and heart that comes from a person who knows they are meant to inspire our children and to prepare them for the future. Shaping young lives, at times, is an arduous task but the reward comes when you see your former students achieve success. I have the deepest respect for those who chose a field in education.