WASHINGTON — The Perkins student loan program that many students rely on to attend college runs out this week unless Congress reauthorizes the program.
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine urged the Senate to pass legislation so the program is not disrupted.
"Students at our colleges and universities are looking at us, are depending on us," she says.
The program's ability to operate runs out on Thursday when the new federal budget year starts.
The Perkins loan program is separate from the Department of Education student loan program.
Collins says many Maine students depend on the loan program to pay for education costs beyond what scholarships and regular student loans will pay.
"Perkins loans are a critical part of a colleges and a student's financial aid resources," she says. "These loans help to fill gaps beyond what is available through the Department of Education's direct loan program."
