Legislators speak up for expanding need-based aid awards and eligibility
Minnesota legislators who understand the importance of helping low- and middle-income families afford college have taken the lead with legislation introduced in mid-March to expand awards under the State Grant program.
Both the House and Senate higher education budget proposals have maintained the state’s funding for the State Grant Program, even though the state faces its largest budget deficit in decades.
This is good news for the 83,000 college students in Minnesota who rely on State Grant awards. By simply retaining current State Grant funding levels, Minnesota policy makers can leverage increased federal funding, through new Pell Grant dollars that were included in the recently passed federal stimulus legislation. Since the Pell and State Grant programs are linked, the increased Pell funding could account for $70 million more over two years for State Grant awards.
In his budget proposal released in March, Governor Tim Pawlenty also called for maintaining the state’s commitment to college access and choice and to keep the new Pell investment available for students.
There is still uncertainty, however. The higher education proposals between the House and Senate differ in how the State Grant program is funded as well as how the public systems are funded. There also are significant differences to be negotiated between the House, Senate and Governor in the areas of budget cuts and revenue increases.
College student advocates will need to remain watchful for efforts to cut State Grant funding as proposals and budgets continue to be negotiated in this difficult budget environment.