Pubdate: Wed, 30 Mar 2005
Source: Narragansett Times (RI)
Copyright: 2005 Narragansett Times
Contact:  http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?brd=1714
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2683
Author: Marcia Grann O'Brien, Editor
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/hea.htm (Higher Education Act)

WHAT'S THE PRICE TAG ON DRUG BILL?

What's The Price Tag On Drug Bill?

If you burn down a building, rob a store or rape someone, are
subsequently tried, convicted and sent to jail, upon release the
federal government will help you go to college with grants and loans.

But if you get caught with drugs, even a small amount of marijuana,
forget it. A 1998 amendment to the Higher Education Act passed by
Congress in 1968 prohibits federal financial aid. Even Congressman
Mark Souder, who introduced the amendment, says it's unfair. The
intent, he's said in published reports, was to ban students in college
when convicted from getting the aid. But as the law applies, once
you've been caught and convicted of drug use or possession, that's the
end of any hope for financial relief in the future. You may want to
change and improve your life, but unless you can finance that on your
own, the government won't help you go to college.

We've editorialized against this unfair provision in the past. The
University of Rhode Island's chapter of Students for a Sensible Drug
Policy has been active in efforts to change federal law. URI President
Robert Carothers also supports a change in federal policy, rightly
noting that the provision unfairly impacts inner city residents who
are caught up in "drug sweeps" that just don't happen in rural or
suburban areas. Further, Carothers says, those affected are least
likely to be able to afford defense attorneys. They are also least
likely to be able to afford to go to college. As a result, the
legislation disproportionately impacts the poor and minorities.

Now Providence legislator Joseph S. Almeida has introduced a bill in
the General Assembly which would allow Rhode Island to provide
financial aid to those who can't obtain federal aid because of a drug
conviction. That's an admirable goal, and we'd like to support it. But
how much will it cost? We were exasperated by repeated efforts to
contact Almeida for this information. He wouldn't respond. Local
elected representatives have the same question. So does Carothers.

We agree with the URI president that the solution lies in changing
federal legislation. We believe that in the interim, it would be good
for Rhode Island to provide relief.

But.

Big but.

We can't support legislation, however good, however well-meaning,
until we know what it's going to cost.

So come on, Mr. Almeida. If you're serious, get out the facts and
figures.

Or is this just a feel-good waste of time because a constituent of
yours asked for help? If so, shame on you.

Perhaps some of your colleagues - Representatives Shanley, Caprio,
McHugh, for example - could persuade you to answer the question:

What's the bottom line?
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin