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Look out kid
It’s somethin’ you did
God knows when
But you’re doin’ it again
-Dylan
Earlier today at a show in Connecticut we were having a casual question and answer period. During that time I said that “the current administration had passed a law” that would deny a student financial aid for college if they had a drug conviction. I would like to correct myself on that statement. It was passed as part of the HEA Higher Education Act in 1998 during the Clinton administration. Originally the act was about lowering student loan interest, forgiving debt for teachers in low income and needy areas, and adding more money for student aid…It was started by Sen Harken (D) Iowa and the late Sen Wellstone (D) Minnesota. It was then amended by Senator McKeon (R) CA to contain the language about drug convictions. Somehow the part about drug convictions didn’t seem to bother any of the people who voted for it or they more likely let it slide so they could get the other “important part” passed. Either way it seems to me somewhat of a well meaning but unfair law. Kids that come from high income families are not affected while kids that depend on financial aid are hurt and marginalized by society at a time when their education and development is critical. I mean it shows no faith in the humans ability to mend his/her ways. I’m glad that when I went to college the people that gave me aid didn’t look at my sometimes errant past but rather my future potential.To learn more or to see how your favorite representative voted on this and other issues go to the links below
Project Vote Smart voting records
