ST. CLOUD – Bob Olson, a DFL candidate in the 6th Congressional District, released the following statement regarding U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann's vote against the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007:

"Over the course of my campaign I've heard a lot of different opinions from people, but one issue that has produced a strong consensus is that college costs are too high. Families across the 6 th District are struggling to keep up with soaring tuition bills, more expensive textbooks and the rising cost of living.

"Mrs. Bachmann always says education is one of her top issues, but last week she missed a chance to deliver for students and their families. I think it's important for people to understand the difference between what the congresswoman says to constituents and how she actually votes on the issues in Washington.

"Colleges and universities are training tomorrow's leaders to confront some of the most complex challenges in America's history. In the coming decades we're going to need all the high-skilled people we can possibly train.

"It's unfortunate that Mrs. Bachmann seems to think the next generation can thrive even if it's too costly for them to earn the education required to compete in a changing world."

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The College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 was approved overwhelmingly Friday by the House of Representatives (292-97) and the Senate (79-12).

It was supported by Minnesota Senators Norm Coleman and Amy Klobuchar and Minnesota Representatives Jim Ramstad, Jim Oberstar, Keith Ellison, Betty McCollum, Tim Walz and Collin Peterson.

More information is available at www.bobolson.org.