Increases to Pell Grant wait on pen of president
If President Bush signs bills into law, Pell Grant would increase to $5,200 in four years
By: Deeda Schroeder
Issue date: 8/1/07 Section: News
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"For the first time in years, this is a national priority, right up there with health care," Thompson said.
Oregon students, Thompson said, have been particularly vocal, and need to continue being outspoken to see the bill become law.
The bill will proceed into a congressional committee and then onto the president, who has already vowed to veto it, Thompson said.
"The president has threatened to veto many of the bills that would really help students and families," Thompson said, "so it is really important that students continue to put pressure on Congress."
David Wu, D-Ore., has been an ally to students, Thompson said, prioritizing their needs. Wu voted to pass the bill, along with senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Gordon Smith, R-Ore.
"This is really good news for Oregon's students," said Jillian Schoene, communications director for Wu. "This is the direction we need to be going to restore the purchasing power of the Pell Grant."
Schoene added that these funds used to cover significantly more of college costs in years past. She estimated that 62,000 college students in Oregon would benefit from the increases, and an additional 7,000 to 8,000 students would be eligible for aid.
Over five million college students receive financial aid from the federal government, and the Pell Grant is the largest source of funding for many of those students.
If the president vetoes the Higher Education Act, Congress can overturn his veto, Thompson said, with a two-thirds majority vote.
Oregon students, Thompson said, have been particularly vocal, and need to continue being outspoken to see the bill become law.
The bill will proceed into a congressional committee and then onto the president, who has already vowed to veto it, Thompson said.
"The president has threatened to veto many of the bills that would really help students and families," Thompson said, "so it is really important that students continue to put pressure on Congress."
David Wu, D-Ore., has been an ally to students, Thompson said, prioritizing their needs. Wu voted to pass the bill, along with senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Gordon Smith, R-Ore.
"This is really good news for Oregon's students," said Jillian Schoene, communications director for Wu. "This is the direction we need to be going to restore the purchasing power of the Pell Grant."
Schoene added that these funds used to cover significantly more of college costs in years past. She estimated that 62,000 college students in Oregon would benefit from the increases, and an additional 7,000 to 8,000 students would be eligible for aid.
Over five million college students receive financial aid from the federal government, and the Pell Grant is the largest source of funding for many of those students.
If the president vetoes the Higher Education Act, Congress can overturn his veto, Thompson said, with a two-thirds majority vote.
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