Pubdate: Thu, 21 Jul 2005 Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune (MN) Copyright: 2005 Star Tribune Contact: http://www.startribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/266 Author: Rep. John Kline Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hea.htm (Higher Education Act) KLINE RESPONDS I would like to commend your July 20 editorial on the importance of providing education and treatment for drug offenders. I agree that a goal-oriented life is an excellent shield against an addiction relapse. That is why legislation passed in the House Education and the Workforce Committee provides college students with incentives to avoid drug use and to seek help and treatment if they do become involved in the use of illegal drugs. Under current federal law, any college student convicted of illegal drug use is barred from receiving federal student aid. The legislation we passed would amend this law, repealing the ban entirely for those students whose convictions occurred prior to enrollment in postsecondary education. This ensures no student who has learned from their previous mistake and is making responsible choices will be denied financial assistance because of a previous drug-related conviction. Our legislation provides assistance for students who are convicted of illegal drug use while receiving federal student aid. Far from being "yanked from school" as your editorial states, we have amended the law to allow those students who seek help and treatment to regain their financial aid. This legislation is the result of a compromise I have championed since first confronted with this issue more than two years ago during my first days in Congress. Rehabilitation and reform should be encouraged, but students who break the law must be held accountable for their actions. By offering an incentive for students to seek help, we provide the opportunity for the goal-oriented life that benefits all students. Rep. John Kline Washington, D.C. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin