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"The legislation substitutes an expanded direct-lending program by the government for the bank-based program, directing $36 billion over 10 years to Pell grants, for students from low-income families."

"You'd think that a wealthy U.S. city like Los Angeles could boast of better schools than the impoverished urban and rural corners of Latin America from which Jasso and many others departed in search of a better life."

"The legislation would also expand the number of low-income children eligible for free or reduced cost meals, a step Democrats say would help President Obama reach his goal of ending childhood hunger by 2015."

"Funding for elderly housing would be cut in President Barack Obama's proposed budget for next year in a way that could affect as many as 1,000 low-income seniors living in rental units on Long Island, Sen. Charles Schumer warned yesterday."

"The legislation would also expand the number of low-income children eligible for free or reduced cost meals, a step Democrats say would help President Barack Obama reach his goal of ending childhood hunger by 2015."

"As a single mother of three, Sylvia Fennell works two jobs to make ends meet....So when Fennell, 27, who lives in Chicago's Bronzeville community, first learned of a plan that would allow school districts to scale back the school week to four days, she panicked."

"'The government needs to take a look at what poverty means,' he said. 'It's so disheartening. Yes, we need cuts and revisions; I understand the state is in dire straits, but hitting the poor over the head again?'"

"Pennsylvania's eighth-grade average score was 268 in 2007, when the test was last given, and 265 in 2002. The eighth-grade groups in Pennsylvania that showed a gain since 2007 were female students and those who were not low income."

"...[P]rivate banks would no longer get fees from the government for acting as middlemen in loans to low- and middle-income college students. With those savings, the government would increase Pell Grants to needy students..."

"That's when the government begins providing tax credits to help people who can't otherwise afford to pay health insurance premiums. The aid will be available on a sliding scale to households making up to four times the federal poverty level..."

"Proponents of the measure say it will make college more affordable and save the federal government $61 billion over the next 10 years. It will also pump $36 million into Pell grants, which help low-income students go to school."

"It's clear some of Pasco's biggest challenges are beyond the school district's control.The statewide average of low-income students is 40 percent. In Pasco, that number is almost double, at 70 percent."