Ehrlich on Washington column, September 13, 1999

MEWS FROM Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Second Congressional District of Maryland 1 407 York Road, Suite 304 315 Cannon House Office Building Lutherville, Maryland 21093 Washington, D.C. 20515 EHRLICH ON WASHINGTON Week of September 13, 1999 By Congressman Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Turning Dreams of College for Your Children into Reality As autumn approaches, American children are heading back to school and members of Congress are returning to their Washington, D.C. offices. First on the plate for Congress is working with the President to sign into law a fair tax relief package. At the same time, the focus for many Maryland parents is providing for their children, planning for their college education, and paying for this family dream of making a better future for the next generation. So what does our work here in Washington have to do with these plans? Our tax plan provides much needed financial relief and can help turn the dreams of college children into reality. I grew up in a rowhouse in Arbutus. The love of my family and the active support I received from a network of family friends and personal mentors made my education possible. As a result, I value education and want to extend that opportunity to our new son, Drew, as well as to America’s children. College costs are staggering and increasing 5% annually according to the College Board. Since 1 980, the average tuition at four-year institutions has more than doubled after adjusting for inflation, while the median family income for the parents of college-age children has increased just 12 percent. The 1997-1998 average in-state tuition, room, and board expenses at a public four-year college are approximately $8,700 according to U.S. News & World Report.