Tuition up 9% this year, sound familiar? Tuition and fees are up in 49 out of the 50 states. It seems that tuition increases have become as routine as back-to-school shopping. Why is it that we allow our education costs to be raised while we stand by and do nothing? Well the good news is YOU can do something about it, VOTE!

Bush’s record on higher education: • President Bush has failed to deliver on his 2000 campaign promise to raise the maximum Pell grant award to $5100. It remains at $4,050, meanwhile UTM tuition has risen by $1,066 since President Bush has taken office.

• Bush Proposes Cutting or Freezing Key Financial Aid Programs. Bush’s 2005 budget eliminates the $66.2 million Leveraging Education Assistance Partnerships (LEAP) program, which aids low-income families trying to afford rising college costs. Bush’s 2005 budget also cuts $101 million from the Perkins Loan Program.

Kerry’s Plan for a Stronger American Education: • Simplify the Student Aid Application Process. Today, there are more questions on an application for a $5,000 student loan than on an application for a $2 million small business loan. John Kerry will simplify the student aid application.

• As president, John Kerry will Offer a College Opportunity Tax Credit on up to $4000 of tuition for four years of college. This credit will be fully available to families having trouble with the costs of college and to young people who are paying their way through school.

• John Kerry will work with colleges to provide the benefits of the credit at the beginning of each school year, when students NEED IT!

• Only about one half of Americans who go to college actually graduate. John Kerry will work with high schools and colleges to boost college completion through stronger high school curriculum and empowering the colleges that improve their graduation rate.

The costs of these programs will be offset by rolling back Bush’s irresponsible tax cut program. What’s more important to you, a one-time $300 check or the pursuit of a more lucrative future with a college degree in hand? For more information, visit JohnKerry.com or attend our meeting Thursday 5pm, in the University Center, Room 231.