Courtney Urges High School Students To Get Involved Politically

Montville High School senior Megan Logan, 17, got a chance Wednesday to ask her congressman whether he approves of what President George W. Bush has done in office.

U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, said he credits the president for a few things, but that under Bush's leadership the country has gone “backwards.”

About deficit spending: “The cost of interest is growing, and it's going to affect all of you,” Courtney said.
About cutting taxes for the affluent: “Tax breaks to Paris Hilton cost money,” Courtney said.

Courtney has announced plans to visit as many schools in the 2nd District as possible. He was at Montville High School on Wednesday, a visit that included a tour of the school and a question-and-answer session with a class studying American law.
Courtney acknowledged the role of young voters in the November elections. Courtney defeated Rob Simmons by just 83 votes. He said a record number of young people voted, and he received a significant number of votes in college towns such as New London, Storrs and Willimantic.

“There's a pretty good case that they had an impact,” Courtney said.

He urged students at Montville High to get involved in politics.

“I'm not saying that you all have to get out there with fliers, but at least participate,” he said.

Courtney, a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, also spoke about upcoming legislation that will have an affect on students.

One such bill would cut interest for student loans from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent and could save the average student approximately $5,000, Courtney said.

“It can make a difference if a (student) goes to school or not,” he said.

American law teacher George Dawe concurred, saying hefty loan payments can be a burden for young adults.
Courtney also noted the support from the House of Representatives and the Senate to increase the amount of Pell grants, where the federal government provides money to students to pay for college. The amount has not increased in six years, while the cost of tuition continues to rise, he said.

Courtney also talked about a bill to increase minimum wage; a resolution in Congress opposing policy to increase the number of troops in Iraq; casinos affecting local communities; No Child Left Behind legislation and unfunded mandates; the country's dependence on fossil fuels; and the 2008 elections.

Courtney also visited H.H. Ellis Technical High School in Danielson and Norwich Technical High School this week. He plans to visit Stafford High School on Friday.

Montville High School Principal Thomas Amanti said this is the first time a congressman has asked to come to the school and visit with students.

“I think it's great,” Amanti said.

Published in the Montville Times - 2/22/2007

By Amy Renczkowski