Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2011 Continuing Resolution that eliminates funding for the Department of Education’s proposed “Gainful Employment” rule.
Chairman John Kline (R-MN) of the House Education and Workforce Committee led a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers that included, Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) of the Subcommittee on Higher Education, and Representatives Alcee Hastings (D-FL) and Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) to offer the amendment to defund “Gainful Employment.” The bipartisan amendment passed in an overwhelming 289 to 136 vote. The Hispanic Leadership Fund applauds Congress for ensuring that students who are most at-risk continue to have access to education programs of their choice, such as proprietary schools.
Over 50 percent of students attending proprietary schools are minority students. Students today, particularly minority and low-income students, face a host of challenges that make it difficult to complete a traditional four year college program. Proprietary schools offer programs that allow students to balance their education with their work and family responsibilities. As a result, we are seeing many Hispanic students graduate from proprietary schools and getting jobs that improve their life. The “Gainful Employment” regulation would have been devastating for these students.
We urge the Senate to support this amendment and stand with their House colleagues to ensure that we work together to create more educational opportunities for all.
