WASHINGTON — The nation’s oldest and largest student organization, the U.S. Student Association, has honored Sen. Susan Collins for her commitment to students and education.

Representing more than 3 million students at more than 300 campuses nationwide, USSA chose Collins for her leadership role in saving and improving the State Student Incentive Grant program, her sponsorship of the Higher Education Reporting Relief Act, her efforts to establish the Education IRA and to continue the tax exemption for employer-paid tuition, and her work to increase the Income Protection Allowance for Pell Grants, as well as doubling the child care allowance for Pell Grants.

“Expanding participation in post-secondary education is one of the most significant challenges facing this country,” Collins said. “I believe it is the government’s responsibility to assure that every qualified individual aspires to post-secondary education and can afford the education to which he or she aspires.”

As a member of the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee, which oversees education issues, Collins has focused on raising aspirations for higher education and on improving access.

Collins was honored at the recent USSA 1998 Awards Banquet with Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., and Rep. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.