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Education Committee

January 15, 2008 The Honorable Edward "Ted" M. Kennedy Chairman, Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee United States Senate Washington, DC 20510	The Honorable Michael B. Enzi Ranking Member, Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee United States Senate Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable George Miller Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515	The Honorable Howard P. "Buck" McKeon Ranking Member, Committee on Education and Labor United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515

Dear Chairman Kennedy, Ranking Member Enzi, Chairman Miller and Ranking

RE: The nation’s governors, state legislators, and higher education officials oppose the proposed “Maintenance of Effort” (MOE) mandate in the College Opportunity and Affordability Act (H.R. 4137)

Member McKeon:

The nation’s governors, state legislators, and higher education officials oppose the proposed “Maintenance of Effort” (MOE) mandate in the College Opportunity and Affordability Act (H.R. 4137) and urge Congress to remove the provision from the bill.

Our members are committed to making the dream of college a reality for every student. Governors, legislators, and higher education officials share your desire to help make higher education accessible and affordable for students and families. They also share your concern with the rising cost of higher education, and are committed to making higher education easily accessible and affordable to all our citizens.

That said, state budgeting decisions should be made by state officials. The decision to fund a new building or campus, expand student aid, help low-income families to access health care, or improve high schools, must remain with the officials closest to the needs of their specific communities.

Thank you for your consideration on this important matter.

Sincerely,

Raymond C. Scheppach  Executive Director National Governors Association

Paul E. Lingenfelter President  State Higher Education Executive Officers

William T. Pound Executive Director National Conference of State Legislatures

            Members of U.S. House