Congressman Butterfield Visits VGCC
U.S. Representative G. K. Butterfield met with Vance-Granville Community College students and staff members on Feb. 19 near the end of a tour of his congressional district. During the weeklong Presidents’ Day congressional recess, Butterfield met with many groups of constituents to hear about the various challenges facing their communities. Butterfield represents North Carolina’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which includes all or parts of 23 counties, Vance, Granville and Warren among them.
Meeting on the college’s main campus in Vance County, Butterfield praised VGCC President Randy Parker and all the college’s students, faculty and staff. “Vance-Granville Community College is a role model and a leader in education in this state,” Butterfield said. “It’s always good to be back in Vance County,” Butterfield added. “I feel right at home and have many friends here.” Also in attendance at the meeting was state Rep. Jim Crawford. “I want to publicly thank Rep. Crawford for what he does for the people not only in his district but for this entire region of the state.” The congressman also said he was pleasantly surprised to see a longtime friend, Henrietta Clark of Henderson, who was there in her role as a member of the VGCC Board of Trustees.
In his remarks, Butterfield discussed some of the various issues and challenges facing the current Congress, including education reform. Despite limited resources, Butterfield said that the president and Congress are “determined to invest in education.” The congressman and members of his staff then fielded questions and comments from several attendees, on issues related to education and the economy.
President Parker thanked Butterfield for his work on issues related to financial aid, including the federal Pell Grant program. Butterfield said that the Pell program has widespread support in Congress and is “the most essential higher education access program for low-income students.” Increases in Pell Grant awards were among the provisions of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA), which Butterfield supported and the House passed last year. The bipartisan bill is currently awaiting action in the Senate.
Above: North Carolina Rep. Jim Crawford (left) listens as U.S. Rep. G. K. Butterfield talks with VGCC students and staff on Feb. 19 at the college’s main campus. (VGCC photo)
