January 30, 2009
Feature: Pawlenty budget preserves need-based aid funding from cuts
Worth thinking about: Economic outlook calls for education investment
National: Quick federal action may help address college affordability
Update: Find us on Facebook
Student voices: Nicole and Marcie Flygare, Bethany Lutheran College
Editor’s note
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FEATURE
Pawlenty budget preserves need-based aid funding from cuts
Released Jan. 27, Gov. Tim Pawlenty's budget proposal aims to help keep college affordable by preserving Minnesota’s need-based aid through the State Grant program. The cuts that are proposed elsewhere in this budget are sobering; they include cuts of more than 10 percent for the state funds for the University of Minnesota and MnSCU systems.
Why would the State Grant program be left whole in the administration’s proposed budget? This is a program that even in the hardest times can be seen as a smart investment to preserve — and we would argue, enhance. That’s because it targets spending on low- and middle-income college students whom we all need to go to college. That’s the only way we can have the workforce we need in the future. (Another voice for need-based aid was raised earlier this month, when the Minnesota Chamber endorsed the State Grant as its priority for higher education this session; see newsletter story.)
A quick reminder: Need-based aid helps low- and middle-income families afford college; Minnesota’s program helps more than one out of four college students. Most of these students are from families earning less than $40,000. Most attend public institutions, but many choose to attend private colleges.
The governor’s budget proposal is a first step in a lengthy and difficult process. There is going to be a lot of disappointment about elements of this budget. Other ideas for how to deal with the deficit will emerge, including ones that may propose cuts to the State Grant.
Meanwhile, don’t feel complacent. College students and their advocates are going to need to be vocal about the value of this program. And we will need to speak up about why we should expand funding, to increase awards and make thousands more students eligible.
Read about the State Grant and our agenda proposal
Read about the administration’s budget announcement (see FY 10-11 Governor’s budget recommendation section)
WORTH THINKING ABOUT
Economic outlook calls for education investment
“Unfortunately, the education outlook remains more gloomy than glowing. One in 10 Minnesota ninth-graders does not finish high school. Seven in 10 aren't going to end up earning a two- or four-year degree. Meanwhile, there are sizable differences in academic achievement and enrollment tied to ethnicity and family income.... We're at a juncture when these challenges matter more than ever.”
—Tim Morin on the Minnesota 2020 Web site
NATIONAL NEWS
Quick federal action may help address college affordability
The Obama administration and leaders in Congress are proposing to increase aid for college students in the massive economic reinvestment legislation. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill includes several significant investments, including:
- Increases of up to $500 in Pell Grants, which help low-income students;
- A new tuition tax credit of up to $2,500 for low- and middle-income college students; and
- New funding for college work-study grants.
These elements help make the package both a short-term economic stimulus as well as a long-term investment in our future workforce. The bill passed the House this week; enactment could occur by March. For more information on this bill, see the American Council on Education summary. (Even if these changes are made on a national level, Minnesota still needs to act to help keep college affordable. These federal steps would be important — but they would not be enough, given the size of the challenges facing our economy and state.)
UPDATE
Find us on Facebook
Join our Facebook group promoting need-based aid to keep up with what’s happening and share your take. By becoming a member of Expand aid for Minnesota college students you’ll receive updates on efforts to increase state funding for need-based aid. It’s also a way to share state grant impact stories, comments and Day at the Capitol photos and videos.
Once you’ve joined the group, click on “Invite friends to join” and ask friends and family to become members. Both private and public college students will benefit if funding for need-based aid is increased. Please help us spread the word to everyone who wants to help more Minnesota students afford college.
STUDENT VOICES:
Nicole and Marcie Flygare
The Flygare sisters grew up on a farm in the Minnesota River valley. Both attend Bethany Lutheran College and both receive a Minnesota State Grant.
“My State Grant has tremendously alleviated financial pressure and helps me use my academic talents outside the classroom to lead and serve other clubs and organizations, giving me valuable tools to take with me as I enter the workforce.”
— Nicole ’09
“The State Grant is one on the best things that I have ever received. Without the grant I would not have had the choice to go to the college that best suited my needs and values.”
— Marcie ’12