U. S. Representative Diana Degette at CCD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE        
May 4, 2012 

CONTACT: Margo Aldrich
Director, Community Development
Community College of Denver
303.851.5686 (cell)
303.556.2411 (office)
Margo.aldrich@ccd.edu

U. S. Representative Diana Degette at CCD

(Denver, CO.) U. S. Representative Diana DeGette chose Community College of Denver (CCD) as the location to deliver her message on the proposed interest hike for student financial aid loans.  In front of an audience of over 100 CCD students and staff, DeGette and Danny Katz of the Colorado Public Interest Group (CoPIRG) called for Congressional leadership to take immediate and urgent action to prevent the doubling of student loan interest rates by July 1.

CCD President Cliff Richardson introduced Rep. DeGette.  In his opening remarks Richardson described the student population at CCD, a group that will be most negatively impacted by the proposed increase in interest rates.

After the announcement DeGette held a student question and answer session, specifically implemented to give CCD students a voice to express their concerns and ask questions. DeGette was accessible and candid as she fielded questions about the proposed interest hike, its impact on students, and other proposed legislation regarding student debt. Students of all ages and backgrounds participated in the open session, with CCD President Cliff Richardson facilitating.

DeGette pronounced the urgency to prevent the doubling of student interest loan rates a bi-partisan issue; President Barack Obama travelled to Boulder last week calling for action and Governor Mitt Romney signaled his support soon afterwards.  If Congress doesn’t act, 167,000 students in Colorado will pay more for repayment costs for the 2012-13 academic year.  DeGette and others cited the long term economic impact this increase would have on students and families and on our economy.

Community College of Denver (CCD) is a leading point of entry to higher education for the City and County of Denver. CCD provides a cost effective college education, along with access and opportunity for nontraditional students, workforce development and training resources for local organizations, and community partnerships. For more information, visit www.CCD.edu Information on occupations, rates for completion and placement, program costs and median loan debt can be found at www.ccd.edu/gainfulemployment