Clinton Tackles College Costs
President Clinton proposed a tax credit designed to make college education more affordable Thursday, saying that "when we open the doors to college we open the doors to opportunity."
The political overtones were obvious at the event called on the first day of his last year in office: First lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, and the man she would serve alongside were she to win her Senate bid, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., stood by the president as he chided Republican leaders who have all but closed the door on his agenda.
"Some in Congress, I note, are saying that because this is an election year we really shouldn't try to do anything for the American people," Clinton said. "Nothing ... should get in the way of making a college education more affordable for all Americans."
The centerpiece of the program being outlined by the president is a $30 billion, 10-year initiative that would make higher education more affordable for millions, said officials, who spoke on condition they not be identified by name.
When the "College Opportunity Tax Cut" is fully phased in, a family could receive a tax deduction of up to $10,000 for tuition, fees and training. Alternatively, taxpayers could seek a maximum credit of $2,800 a year. A similar proposal died in Congress last year.
"When we make college more affordable," Clinton said, "we make the American dream more achievable."
The president also was calling for a $1 billion increase in Pell Grants, new College Completion Challenge Grants and other federal education assistance, including work-study and a new plan for helping students pursuing dual degrees.
Asked why Congress could be expected to pass Clinton's plan this year, White House spokesman Joe Lockhart replied: "Members of Congress who have been in their districts understand that education is the top priority for most Americans."
The political season has raised doubts that Congress will act on much of Clinton's agenda. "The public wants progress," Lockhart said. "I think there will be a political cost for those who want to walk away."
The proposal includes $35 million for the college Completion Challenge Grants, designed to spur college dropouts to return to class; $40 million for a new initiative to help minorities pursue five-year dual-degree programs in fields where they are underrepresented; and $716 million for the Pell Grants.
Additionally, Clinton's plan seeks $400 million in increases for the Gear Up program, which helps disadvantaged youths stay in high school; TRIO, which helps them stay in college; Job Corps, a national education and job training program targeted at impoverished youths; and similar initiatives.
Making college tuition tax deductible was a key campaign pledge of Schumer in his successful bid to oust Republican Sen. Alfonse D'Amato in 1998. His proposal was narrowly defeated as an amendment to the tax cupackage last year.
Schumer's plan would have allowed families to deduct up to $12,000 from their income to cover the costs of college tuition. That would have saved the average middle-class family as much as $3,360 per student.
Schumer said his plan would cost between $45 billion and $50 billion over 10 years and could be paid for out of the nation's budget surplus.
Mrs. Clinton is also trying to appeal to middle-class suburban voters in the New York Senate race. Polls show her trailing New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani in the politically crucial suburbs.