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(Washington, DC) March 7, 2007 —The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) recognized Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) as a “Friend of College Access” at the association’s annual legislative conference in Washington, DC.
NACAC members, led by the association’s Government Relations Committee, honored Senator Specter for his efforts to support need-based student aid and overall education funding in the fiscal year 2007 appropriations and budget process.
As chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee in the 109th Congress, Senator Specter played a key role in securing annual funds for education. In recent years, Senator Specter has fought vigorously to increase the budget authority for college access programs like the Pell Grant, GEAR UP, and TRIO, including a successful amendment to the FY2007 budget resolution to add $7 billion to the budget for education, health, and labor programs.
“Senator Specter’s dedication to supporting students and supporting funding for student aid is truly remarkable,” said Mary Lee Hoganson, NACAC president. “By fighting for education funding, Senator Specter is supporting an investment in our economy, in our global competitiveness, and, most importantly, in our nation’s youth. We are pleased to provide him with this recognition.”
Senator Specter stated, “I am honored to receive this award from NACAC. Education is the single greatest capital investment that we can make in our nation’s future, and I will continue to fight for its funding.”
“As a Pennsylvanian, I’m proud to honor Senator Specter for his dedication to improving college access for Pennsylvania students and students across the country,” said Craig Dodson, member of NACAC’s national Government Relations Committee and Philadelphia resident.
About NACAC:
NACAC is an Alexandria, VA-based education association of more than 9,800 secondary school counselors, independent counselors, college admission and financial aid officers, enrollment managers, and organizations that work with students as they make the transition from high school to postsecondary education. The association is committed to maintaining high standards that foster ethical and social responsibility among those involved in the transition process, as outlined in the NACAC Statement of Principles of Good Practice.
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