Empowering all women state legislators to effect sound policy

How Adults Can Save While Going Back to School

The average community college in the U.S. charges roughly $2,000 for full time students and at some institutions that figure is much lower for part time enrollees. Going back to school to re-train, acquire new skills and prepare your self for the next rung up the economic ladder is never easy, but there are a number of programs, scholarships and counseling opportunities that can make going back to school much more affordable. Here are a few tips Forbes Magazine has recently put out to help.

• Free and low-cost programs - There are a number of free job training programs available to people going back to school. The availability of these programs however vary depending on your geographical location, current job situation and what industry you work in. Michigan is an example of a state that has a special job re-training program just for auto workers. California on the other hand offers a program for everyone interested in the field of solar panel installation.

• Scholarships and grants - Any adult looking to go to college should first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, which is open to all ages. Most scholarships are granted to students under the age of 25; however there are over 50 scholarships that are only available for students who are 30 and older. Check out websites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com to search for financial opportunities based on age, gender and location.

• Tax Breaks - The Lifetime Learning Credit is the tax break used by most adult students. The credit is equal to 20% of qualified education expenses up to $10,000 - for a maximum credit worth $2,000. Also, if you're going to school for your first undergraduate degree you may want to check out the American Opportunity Credit worth $2,500.

• Employer Assistance - There are many employers that offer tuition-reimbursement programs, so to find out whether your employer offers such a program it would be beneficial to ask.

• Military Benefits - Congress recently updated their G.I. Bill and if a person as served at least 90 days since September 12th, 2001 then they may be eligible for a benefits package that could cover all tuition and fees, a living stipend and a $1,000 for books.

To read the full list put out by Forbes please visit: Forbe's List

Legislative Voice

Representative Keeley’s Measures to End Anticipated Tax Return Predatory Lending

With tax season recently passed, state legislators are prioritizing new legislation aimed at improving the economic well being of their constituents during the critical tax refund process. Representative Helene M. Keeley of Delaware is fast at work doing just that. Her sponsorship of House Bill (H.B.) 303 focuses on curtailing the potentially predatory lending practices associated with anticipated tax refunds. Anticipation lending involves a loan in which a taxpayer borrows money based on the estimated value of his or her annual tax return. Representative Keeley attributes the lack of legislative consumer protection safeguards as a principle reason why these loans have threatened the economic stability and well being of Delaware’s residents. In fact, some of the percentage rates for refund anticipation loans range from 40 percent to 700 percent.

Financial Literacy in Schools: A Growing Policy Trend

Contributed By Senator Karen Morgan – 8th Utah Senate District

In the wake of the financial recession, state legislators began taking constructive policy actions towards relieving the future pangs of financial instability. Utah enacted a required high school financial literacy course, which began with the graduating class of 2008.

Senator Lesil McGuire (AK)

Developing Energy Legislation in Alaska

Contributed by Senator Lesil McGuire of Alaska

In Alaska, oil and natural gas provide the backbone of our economy. We are blessed with proven resources and continued potential for fossil fuel development. But Alaska is also uniquely situated to be a world leader in the development of cleaner, greener renewable and alternative energies.

Policy Spotlights

Arthritis Foundation Advocates in Action Webinar

The Arthritis Foundation invites you to participate in the Southeast Region's Inaugural Advocates in Action Webinar. The webinar will be held June 30, 2010 from 1:00-2:00PM EST.

Women In Government Releases Mental Health Legislative Toolkit

In recognition of National Mental Health Month, Women In Government, a national, bi-partisan, non-profit organization representing women state legislators has released a Mental Health Legislative Toolkit. This Toolkit is designed to provide state legislators with the essential tools necessary to promote legislation and educate their constituents on the various issues surrounding mental health, including education and treatment.

New Report on HPV and Cervical Cancer Indicates States Are Turning Challenges into Opportunities for Prevention Efforts

A report released by Women In Government (WIG) shows that states are making progress in the fight against cervical cancer. However, despite tremendous progress, there still is substantial variation with cervical cancer prevention efforts, particularly for underserved populations, across the states. Among the steps still needed to make effective cervical cancer prevention a reality for women at all socioeconomic levels is to increase funding for screening and vaccination programs to ensure access for women who are uninsured or underinsured. These findings from A Roadmap for Success: The State of Cervical Cancer Prevention in America 2010, the sixth and final state-by-state comparison report released by WIG, are designed to highlight the tremendous strides that have been made to battle cervical cancer since WIG took up the initiative six years ago.

WIG Members in the News