Orlando Sentinel
Letter to the Editor by Kathy Mizereck
An Orlando Sentinel editorial last month about the rising debt of college students who must borrow to obtain an education argues for more oversight of for-profit colleges.
Additional red tape does not represent a solution to an issue prevalent at all colleges — not just career colleges.
Part of the bigger picture includes the fact that the U.S. Department of Education gets back 95 cents of every dollar it loans, plus interest. The lender, based on student qualifications, determines the amount of loans.
Students at career colleges usually have little or no family contribution to their education and, thus, tend to borrow more, regardless of the cost of the program. We counsel students about debt, but have no control over ultimate spending.
In Florida, more than 370,000 students annually choose to attend career colleges or train for jobs – a population that would cost the state university system an estimated $1.6 billion to educate. Further, career colleges receive no direct taxpayer support, but pay $131 million in local, state and federal taxes.
Because we do not take a state subsidy, the average tuition at Florida career colleges is higher than that of public schools, but is still about half that at private, nonprofit institutions. Most of our students are hardworking adults who hold jobs and support families. Many of our students qualify for and borrow more.
We believe lending rules must be addressed for all institutions and implemented evenly across-the-board so all providers of higher education can focus on serving students.
Kathy Mizereck Executive director, Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges
National Legal and Policy Center: Is Justice Dept. Covering Short-Seller Tracks in For-Profit College Scheme?
National Legal and Policy Center
Submitted by Ken Boehm
Beginning in 2009, the Department of Education -- mightily aided by Senator Tom Harkin's HELP Committee and a coterie of Wall Street short sellers -- laid siege to the for-profit college sector in a knock-down, drag-out battle to the finish. Their strategic objective was to seriously hobble the profitability of career schools that had devised a competitive, career pathway for predominantly at-risk, low-income, non-traditional and minority students. On June 2, in the infamous Battle of the Beltway, the Department issued its (you should excuse the expression) 'Gainful Employment' rule, which was heralded as a major blow to career schools, whose recruitment rates have since dropped precipitously.
For anyone who viewed 'Gainful Employment' as an honest effort to address the educational needs of students preparing to enter the workforce at the worst moment since 1930, the latest salvo by the Justice Department will dispel that wishful thinking.
With a one-two punch, the Justice Department has opened a new battlefront against for-profit colleges by joining onto a whistleblower (qui tam) lawsuit, which seeks $11 billion in damages and claims that these schools broke federal laws in their admissions practices, a charge which the schools vigorously deny.
The Wall Street Journal offered a stinging editorial, pointing to the hypocrisy and abuse of power exhibited by the Justice Department and the dubious motives of trial lawyers now piling onto the lawsuit from their respective states:
"...the new activism comes in the wake of other Administration broadsides against the for-profit industry....David Hickton, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of PA, who is handling the suit,...offered a tutorial on the basics of filing qui tam lawsuits. The event included helpful illustrations of chests full of gold. Under a section headlined "Victori Spolia," the materials informed lawyers that plaintiffs take 15% to 30% of any money recovered while the lawyers work on contingency fees. In 2010, those legal fees worked out to $385,167,574, up from $258,790,518 in 2009.Yeehaw, boys."
Victoria Spolia, indeed! We must seriously question an administration that has waged war on (among other things) for-profit schools in the guise of a "new activism." The assualt on for-profit education was planned and financed by Wall Street short sellers. Instead of doing its job and investigating who inside the Education Department was part of the scheme, Eric Holder's Justice Department is now covering tracks for the shorts.
Link: http://nlpc.org/stories/2011/09/21/justice-dept-covering-short-seller-tracks-profit-colleges
Submitted by Ken Boehm
Beginning in 2009, the Department of Education -- mightily aided by Senator Tom Harkin's HELP Committee and a coterie of Wall Street short sellers -- laid siege to the for-profit college sector in a knock-down, drag-out battle to the finish. Their strategic objective was to seriously hobble the profitability of career schools that had devised a competitive, career pathway for predominantly at-risk, low-income, non-traditional and minority students. On June 2, in the infamous Battle of the Beltway, the Department issued its (you should excuse the expression) 'Gainful Employment' rule, which was heralded as a major blow to career schools, whose recruitment rates have since dropped precipitously.
For anyone who viewed 'Gainful Employment' as an honest effort to address the educational needs of students preparing to enter the workforce at the worst moment since 1930, the latest salvo by the Justice Department will dispel that wishful thinking.
With a one-two punch, the Justice Department has opened a new battlefront against for-profit colleges by joining onto a whistleblower (qui tam) lawsuit, which seeks $11 billion in damages and claims that these schools broke federal laws in their admissions practices, a charge which the schools vigorously deny.
The Wall Street Journal offered a stinging editorial, pointing to the hypocrisy and abuse of power exhibited by the Justice Department and the dubious motives of trial lawyers now piling onto the lawsuit from their respective states:
"...the new activism comes in the wake of other Administration broadsides against the for-profit industry....David Hickton, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of PA, who is handling the suit,...offered a tutorial on the basics of filing qui tam lawsuits. The event included helpful illustrations of chests full of gold. Under a section headlined "Victori Spolia," the materials informed lawyers that plaintiffs take 15% to 30% of any money recovered while the lawyers work on contingency fees. In 2010, those legal fees worked out to $385,167,574, up from $258,790,518 in 2009.Yeehaw, boys."
Victoria Spolia, indeed! We must seriously question an administration that has waged war on (among other things) for-profit schools in the guise of a "new activism." The assualt on for-profit education was planned and financed by Wall Street short sellers. Instead of doing its job and investigating who inside the Education Department was part of the scheme, Eric Holder's Justice Department is now covering tracks for the shorts.
Link: http://nlpc.org/stories/2011/09/21/justice-dept-covering-short-seller-tracks-profit-colleges
Sun-Sentinel: Deeper problem for student debt than oversight
Sun-Sentinel
By Kathy Mizereck
Responding to a rise in debt incurred by college students who must borrow to obtain an education, your editorial (Aug. 27) argues the only answer to reducing the debt level and the corresponding default rate on those loans is more oversight.
Additional red tape does not represent a solution to an issue prevalent at all colleges — not just career colleges.
Part of the bigger picture includes the fact that the U.S. Department of Education gets back 95 cents of every dollar it loans, plus interest. The lender, based on student qualifications, determines the amount of loans.
Students at career colleges usually have little or no family contribution to their education and, thus, tend to borrow more regardless of the cost of the program. We counsel students about debt, but have no control over ultimate spending.
In Florida, more than 370,000 students annually chose to attend career colleges or train for new jobs — a population that would cost the state university system an estimated $1.6 billion to educate. Further, career colleges receive no direct taxpayer support, but pay $131 million in local, state and federal taxes.
Because we do not take a state subsidy, the average tuition at Florida career colleges is higher than that of public schools, but is still about half that at private, nonprofit institutions.
Most of our students are hardworking adults who hold jobs and support a family. Many of our students qualify for and borrow more.
We believe that lending rules must be addressed for all institutions and implemented evenly across the board so all providers of higher education can focus on serving students.
Kathy Mizereck is the executive director of Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges in Tallahassee.
Direct link to article: http://tinyurl.com/3l7x8co
By Kathy Mizereck
Responding to a rise in debt incurred by college students who must borrow to obtain an education, your editorial (Aug. 27) argues the only answer to reducing the debt level and the corresponding default rate on those loans is more oversight.
Additional red tape does not represent a solution to an issue prevalent at all colleges — not just career colleges.
Part of the bigger picture includes the fact that the U.S. Department of Education gets back 95 cents of every dollar it loans, plus interest. The lender, based on student qualifications, determines the amount of loans.
Students at career colleges usually have little or no family contribution to their education and, thus, tend to borrow more regardless of the cost of the program. We counsel students about debt, but have no control over ultimate spending.
In Florida, more than 370,000 students annually chose to attend career colleges or train for new jobs — a population that would cost the state university system an estimated $1.6 billion to educate. Further, career colleges receive no direct taxpayer support, but pay $131 million in local, state and federal taxes.
Because we do not take a state subsidy, the average tuition at Florida career colleges is higher than that of public schools, but is still about half that at private, nonprofit institutions.
Most of our students are hardworking adults who hold jobs and support a family. Many of our students qualify for and borrow more.
We believe that lending rules must be addressed for all institutions and implemented evenly across the board so all providers of higher education can focus on serving students.
Kathy Mizereck is the executive director of Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges in Tallahassee.
Direct link to article: http://tinyurl.com/3l7x8co
Sunshine State News: RPOF Chairman Dave Bitner Praised for Courage, Professionalism
Sunshine State News
By: Kenric Ward
Bitner relocated to Southwest Florida and served for many years as the general manager of the Port Charlotte-based Charlotte Sun-Herald.
“Dave came to work with the free weekly when we had only four employees,” said Derek Dunn-Rankin, chairman of the Suncoast Media Group. “He was the key player in building it into a significant daily newspaper.”
In 1990, Bitner sold his interest in the newspaper and joined Wendy in starting Sun Specialties, a provider of company promotional products and business gifts. In 1992, he was elected as a state representative from District 71.
As a lawmaker, Bitner helped pass tort reform bills, stricter penalties for criminals, and tax cuts.
One of his key legislative accomplishments was sponsoring Florida’s “name change” law, ensuring the record of prisoners incarcerated under one name and released under another reflected their complete criminal record.
In Charlotte County, Bitner remained active as president of the Charlotte County Cultural Center, president of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Charlotte County chapter of Big Brothers & Big Sisters and the YMCA. He was also involved in local high school booster programs.
During his first two terms in the Florida House, Bitner served in the minority, but helped the Republican Party gain the majority in the Florida House in his third and fourth terms under Speakers Daniel Webster and John Thrasher.
In 1994, Bitner was honored by the Florida Homebuilders Association as “Legislator of the Year.” The Florida Economic Development Council followed suit, naming him "Legislator of the Year" in 1997.
He was also recognized by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges as an “Outstanding Legislator” and by the University of Florida for his “Dedication, Leadership and Support of Higher Education.”
In 2000, Bitner was asked by then-Gov. Jeb Bush to travel the state and campaign for "George W. Bush for President." Throughout the campaign, Bitner traveled across Florida to knock on doors, attend rallies and make phone calls, playing a critical role as a liaison between the Bush campaign and the 67 Republican Executive Committee members throughout Florida.
Following his tenure as a state representative, Bitner, joined by Wendy, relocated to the Tallahassee area and founded the government consulting firm Bitner & Associates.
While Bitner’s love for politics drove him to serve as a lawmaker, baseball was his second passion. While at Bitner & Associates, he represented major league teams, including his beloved Baltimore Orioles.
Bitner is credited with helping keep several major league baseball teams in Florida for spring training and also helping to lure the Tampa Bay Rays to his former home of Port Charlotte for spring training in 2008.
Since leaving the statehouse, Bitner remained active in Republican Party politics as a Jefferson County precinct committeeman and a member of the Jefferson County Republican Executive Committee.
During his brief tenure as RPOF chairman, Bitner traveled the state extensively, meeting with local Republican clubs and helping to unify the party. He also worked to honor Florida’s nearly 250,000 military veterans through the “Greatest Generation Tour” across Florida.
In addition to Wendy, his wife of 20 years, he is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Blackburn of North Port; three sisters, Debbie Poff of Sarasota, Darlene Muse of Winter Haven and Dawn Lewis of Hagerstown; a brother, Don Bitner of Tallahassee; mother-in-law, Sandie Checchia of Port Charlotte and father-in-law, Damian (Lisa) Wojdula of Englewood; brother-in-law, Steven Wojdula of Venice; grandchildren, Kelly Plueger, Dylan Hixson, Amanda Blackburn and Bob Blackburn; and a great grandson, Phoenix Plueger.
Service is pending.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to JOY (Jefferson Outreach for Youth Inc.), P.O. Box 206, Lloyd, FL 32337. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to sign the memory book and extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.
Contact Kenric Ward at kward@sunshinestatenews.com or (772) 801-5341.
By: Kenric Ward
Bitner relocated to Southwest Florida and served for many years as the general manager of the Port Charlotte-based Charlotte Sun-Herald.
“Dave came to work with the free weekly when we had only four employees,” said Derek Dunn-Rankin, chairman of the Suncoast Media Group. “He was the key player in building it into a significant daily newspaper.”
In 1990, Bitner sold his interest in the newspaper and joined Wendy in starting Sun Specialties, a provider of company promotional products and business gifts. In 1992, he was elected as a state representative from District 71.
As a lawmaker, Bitner helped pass tort reform bills, stricter penalties for criminals, and tax cuts.
One of his key legislative accomplishments was sponsoring Florida’s “name change” law, ensuring the record of prisoners incarcerated under one name and released under another reflected their complete criminal record.
In Charlotte County, Bitner remained active as president of the Charlotte County Cultural Center, president of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Charlotte County chapter of Big Brothers & Big Sisters and the YMCA. He was also involved in local high school booster programs.
During his first two terms in the Florida House, Bitner served in the minority, but helped the Republican Party gain the majority in the Florida House in his third and fourth terms under Speakers Daniel Webster and John Thrasher.
In 1994, Bitner was honored by the Florida Homebuilders Association as “Legislator of the Year.” The Florida Economic Development Council followed suit, naming him "Legislator of the Year" in 1997.
He was also recognized by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges as an “Outstanding Legislator” and by the University of Florida for his “Dedication, Leadership and Support of Higher Education.”
In 2000, Bitner was asked by then-Gov. Jeb Bush to travel the state and campaign for "George W. Bush for President." Throughout the campaign, Bitner traveled across Florida to knock on doors, attend rallies and make phone calls, playing a critical role as a liaison between the Bush campaign and the 67 Republican Executive Committee members throughout Florida.
Following his tenure as a state representative, Bitner, joined by Wendy, relocated to the Tallahassee area and founded the government consulting firm Bitner & Associates.
While Bitner’s love for politics drove him to serve as a lawmaker, baseball was his second passion. While at Bitner & Associates, he represented major league teams, including his beloved Baltimore Orioles.
Bitner is credited with helping keep several major league baseball teams in Florida for spring training and also helping to lure the Tampa Bay Rays to his former home of Port Charlotte for spring training in 2008.
Since leaving the statehouse, Bitner remained active in Republican Party politics as a Jefferson County precinct committeeman and a member of the Jefferson County Republican Executive Committee.
During his brief tenure as RPOF chairman, Bitner traveled the state extensively, meeting with local Republican clubs and helping to unify the party. He also worked to honor Florida’s nearly 250,000 military veterans through the “Greatest Generation Tour” across Florida.
In addition to Wendy, his wife of 20 years, he is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Blackburn of North Port; three sisters, Debbie Poff of Sarasota, Darlene Muse of Winter Haven and Dawn Lewis of Hagerstown; a brother, Don Bitner of Tallahassee; mother-in-law, Sandie Checchia of Port Charlotte and father-in-law, Damian (Lisa) Wojdula of Englewood; brother-in-law, Steven Wojdula of Venice; grandchildren, Kelly Plueger, Dylan Hixson, Amanda Blackburn and Bob Blackburn; and a great grandson, Phoenix Plueger.
Service is pending.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to JOY (Jefferson Outreach for Youth Inc.), P.O. Box 206, Lloyd, FL 32337. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to sign the memory book and extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.
Contact Kenric Ward at kward@sunshinestatenews.com or (772) 801-5341.
Statement from RPOF Vice Chairman Lenny Curry | Republican Party of Florida
Statement from RPOF Vice Chairman Lenny Curry Republican Party of Florida
With sadness and a heavy heart, I must report that Florida has lost a great leader and public servant. Today, the Republican Party of Florida’s Chairman Dave Bitner lost his courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
It has been the honor of a lifetime to work by Chairman Bitner’s side. Not only was Dave a born leader, he was an exemplary man in every sense. In honor of his example, I am committed to ensure that the Republican Party of Florida continues its tradition of service to our beloved state.
I ask all Floridians to join me in offering our thoughts and prayers for Dave and his remarkable wife Wendy. Through Dave’s battle with ALS, I watched as Wendy was the embodiment of love and compassion. I pray that Dave enjoy the peace that comes from our God, and that Wendy feel God’s love and strength in this time of grief.
With sadness and a heavy heart, I must report that Florida has lost a great leader and public servant. Today, the Republican Party of Florida’s Chairman Dave Bitner lost his courageous battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
It has been the honor of a lifetime to work by Chairman Bitner’s side. Not only was Dave a born leader, he was an exemplary man in every sense. In honor of his example, I am committed to ensure that the Republican Party of Florida continues its tradition of service to our beloved state.
I ask all Floridians to join me in offering our thoughts and prayers for Dave and his remarkable wife Wendy. Through Dave’s battle with ALS, I watched as Wendy was the embodiment of love and compassion. I pray that Dave enjoy the peace that comes from our God, and that Wendy feel God’s love and strength in this time of grief.
RPOF: Republican Party Chairman Bitner Resignation Letter
RPOF
By: David Bitner, Chairman, Republican Party of Florida
Direct link to letter: http://fapsc.org/associations/8444/files/chairman_resignation_letter.pdf
By: David Bitner, Chairman, Republican Party of Florida
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