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U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Representative Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX) on Wednesday introduced legislative packages in both chambers to permanently protect and expand the Pell Grant program, The Hill reported.
The proposal includes four bills that would make college more affordable for low-income students:
- The Year-Round Pell Grant Restoration Act, cosponsored by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Jack Reed (D-RI), would let students use Pell Grants for three semesters each academic year. Congress cut year-round Pell in 2011, reducing the limit to two semesters.
- The Pell Grant Cost of Tuition Adjustment Act, cosponsored by Sen. Markey, would increase the maximum Pell Grant for the 2014-2015 school year from $5,730 under current law to $9,139, the same as the average cost of in-state tuition and fees at a four-year college. The bill would also index future amounts to inflation using the same formula Social Security uses for its annual cost of living adjustment.
- The Pell Grant Protection Act, also cosponsored by Sen. Markey, would fund the entire Pell Grant program through mandatory spending rather than mostly discretionary spending and a small mandatory add-on.
- The College Options for DREAMers Act would make Pell Grants, student loans, work-study, and other federal financial aid available to undocumented students who came to the U.S. as children and attended high school in the country.
The proposed legislation comes amid uncertainty about how Congressional Republicans will handle the Pell Grant program in the upcoming appropriations and Higher Education Act reauthorization processes.
"Earning a college degree can be a pathway for those fighting to get into the middle class. Unfortunately, under the Republican majorities in Congress Pell Grants are under the constant threat of irresponsible cuts and dismantlement – even though college today is more expensive than ever," Sen. Hirono said in a statement. "Investing in education is one of the smartest investments we can make and students deserve to know they can count on Pell Grants to help pay for college, regardless of their schedules, work, or family commitments. My plan to protect and strengthen Pell Grants will go a long way to ensure every student in Hawaii and across the country has a fair shot at affordable higher education."
AACRAO, along with a broad coalition of higher education associations and advocacy groups, endorsed the legislative package.
Related Links
U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono's Press Release
http://www.hirono.senate.gov/press-releases/hirono-introduces-college-affordability-plan
The Hill
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/senate/239642-democrat-pushes-for-stronger-pell-grant
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