EXCLUSIVE: Subprime Schools Lobbyist Trent Lott Explains How He Won Over Congress
The for-profit college industry – which runs what some would refer to as “subprime schools” – is facing more and more scrutiny for its abusive practices that leave students drowning in debt and taxpayers on the hook for paying for worthless degrees. That’s why it’s ramping up its lobbying in Washington, demanding that the federal government continue its billions of dollars of subsidies for the industry via federal student loans and grants.
Yesterday, the Association for Private Sector Colleges and Universities (APSCU) — a trade association for the for-profit college industry — hosted a meeting in Washington D.C. I was there. Yesterday I wrote about how both a close confidante of Bill Clinton who pushed a draconian anti-piracy law and a high level Bush White House staffer who helped run the campaign against the Employee Free Choice Act explained to the industry how to “get in on the ground” and pressure candidates to support their industry. Today, I’ll reveal how the group has enlisted former Members of Congress to push its agenda.
Halfway through the conference, APSCU hosted a “Cloakroom Conversation With Former Members of Congress,” featuring former federal lawmakers that it has bought off to lobby for its agenda. One of these lawmakers was former Senate Minority Leader Trent Lott (R), who works as a lobbyist for Patton Boggs and the Breaux Lott Leadership Group. He was joined by former Senate John Breaux and former Congressman Payne.
Read more: http://www.republicreport.org/2012/exclusive-subprime-schools-lobbyist-trent-lott-explains-how-he-won-over-congress/
