U.S. House Republican leaders are proposing a $100 increase in the maximum Pell Grant next year, a move that may pave the way for the first increase in program funding since 2003.
The measure, approved by a House appropriations subcommittee, also would protect Talent Search, Upward Bound and GEAR UP from cuts or elimination. All three would receive continued funding in fiscal year 2007 even though the Bush administration had called for termination of the programs.
In a tight budget environment, at least one higher education leader found some reason for optimism.
“It’s a lot better than some would expect under the circumstances,” says Barmak Nassirian, associate executive director of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.
A $100 increase is still “inadequate” given recent tuition and financial aid trends, he says. But since the top grant for needy students has not increased in four years, “It’s something to appreciate.”
In recent years, most education advocates had looked to the U.S. Senate — not the more conservative House — to lead the way on efforts to increase spending.
If both houses of Congress ultimately approve the plan, the maximum grant would increase to $4,150 next year. The Senate has not yet presented its education spending bill for next year; the White House proposed no increase in its budget plan last winter.
