With a college education more important than ever in securing a good job, but with college costs continuing to rise, Melissa addressed this issue by providing families with important tools to save for college. Tax advantages that support 529 college savings plans were set to expire, but Melissa successfully fought to make those tax- free permanently, and provide families with the certainty they need to plan for higher education costs. Melissa will support legislation that encourages more lenders to participate in student loan programs, so higher education is more affordable.