2008 Woodie Awards
In Brief
News and Updates from the Five College Area
Issue date: 4/27/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Cannabis Coalition Holds "Extravaganja" Despite Rain
The University of Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition held "Extravaganja" this weekend on Amherst Commons. Despite rainy weather the event continued for the 15th straight year. The festival aimed to raise awareness concerning support for Senate Bill 1151, the Act to impose a Civil Fine for Possession of Marijuana. While current law imposes court summons and possible jail time or monetary fine for civilians over 17 caught with the drug, the new law hopes to decriminalize the offense. Senate Bill 1151 provides no criminal charges for possession of marijuana under two ounces and a maximum $250 fine. The CRC urges students to contact their state legislators over this issue.
Stafford Loans On The Rise
Come July 1 of this year the interest on the most common Stafford student loan will rise once again. Where from 2004-2005 students were paying 3.3 percent and for the past year garnered an interest 5.3 percent, the upcoming year will bring another increase, to a fixed 6.8 percent. This rate increased due to the Deficit Reduction Act most recently passed and signed by President Bush. The Act aims to reduce government spending; since the government is the lender on Stafford loans the increased rate provides additional revenue. Students do have options to avoid the increase but deadlines are fast approaching.
The University of Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition held "Extravaganja" this weekend on Amherst Commons. Despite rainy weather the event continued for the 15th straight year. The festival aimed to raise awareness concerning support for Senate Bill 1151, the Act to impose a Civil Fine for Possession of Marijuana. While current law imposes court summons and possible jail time or monetary fine for civilians over 17 caught with the drug, the new law hopes to decriminalize the offense. Senate Bill 1151 provides no criminal charges for possession of marijuana under two ounces and a maximum $250 fine. The CRC urges students to contact their state legislators over this issue.
Stafford Loans On The Rise
Come July 1 of this year the interest on the most common Stafford student loan will rise once again. Where from 2004-2005 students were paying 3.3 percent and for the past year garnered an interest 5.3 percent, the upcoming year will bring another increase, to a fixed 6.8 percent. This rate increased due to the Deficit Reduction Act most recently passed and signed by President Bush. The Act aims to reduce government spending; since the government is the lender on Stafford loans the increased rate provides additional revenue. Students do have options to avoid the increase but deadlines are fast approaching.
Be the first to comment on this story