Editorial: Higher education gets needed boost

Under the bill, which President Clinton is expected to sign into law, the rates for new college student loans would be 7.46 percent -- the lowest in 17 years and down from the current 8.23 percent. In addition, the maximum allowed amount for Pell grants would increase to $4,500 a year in 1999-2000 from the current level of $3,000. The amount will eventually increase to $5,800 by 2003-2004.

Too often these days the debate over education is partisan and not very productive, standing in the way of programs that help students. It was refreshing that, if only for a moment, Republicans and Democrats worked together to give college students the helping hand they need.

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