“The legislation unveiled today by the House Committee on Education and Labor is a major step toward providing greater access to an affordable, high-quality college education for millions of low- and middle-income students. It targets badly needed funds to address existing inequities in higher education and expands support for historically under-resourced institutions, including providing two years of tuition-free community college, directing additional investments to minority serving institutions, and increasing the maximum Pell Grant. Notably and laudably, it also begins the process of making Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program recipients eligible for federal student financial aid.
Overall, this legislation would help both students and families struggling to afford postsecondary education and the colleges and universities that serve them. We understand that these higher education provisions are part of a vast and complex legislative undertaking that remains a work in progress and believe improvements are necessary. In particular, while we appreciate the committee’s recognition of the fundamental importance of Pell Grants, a $500 increase to the maximum grant award does not go nearly far enough. We look forward to working with the House and Senate on these and other issues as the reconciliation process moves forward.”