This content was published: February 10, 2009. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
The PCC delegation gets ready to head to Capitol Hill
Photos and Story by Dana Haynes
OK, today we hear from Arne Duncan, the U.S. Secretary of Education. That’s in about 30 minutes. I’m very excited to hear what he has to say.
After that, the PCC delegation is heading off, via the Metro, to see the education coordinator for Rep. Greg Waldon. After that, we’ve got Sen. Jeff Merkley, followed by Rep. David Wu.
You’ve got to forgive me if I’m a bit of a political wonk here. This is kid-in-a-candy-shop time for my people. I’m going to be wandering the halls of the Rayburn and Dirksen office buildings shortly. I’m supposed to be representing Portland Community College, so I promise not to do a happy-dance in there. It would be so un-cool.
Our messages to the lawmakers: the economic stimulus package must include money for the states instead of the Alternative Minimum Tax, because the AMT is good and necessary, but not an economic stimulant. Also, Pell Grants are incredibly important to our students and should be bolstered. Even in these tough times? you ask. ESPECIALLY in these tough times. The Pell Grant is the door to education for the neediest of Oregonians. And remember, 40 percent of PCC’s Pell-eligible students are parents.
Apropos of absolutely nothing, I had a little free time yesterday so I shopped in Georgetown (Katy’s getting a little somethin-somethin) and wandered into Dupont Circle. I love D.C., though it’s worth saying, I’ve never been here in the summer when the temperature and humidity both hit 100.
dana
About Dana Haynes
Dana Haynes, joined PCC in 2007 as the manager of the Office of Public Affairs, directing the college's media and government relations. Haynes spent the previous 20 years as a reporter, columnist and editor for Oregon newspapers, including ... more »