IHEP Statement on FY18 Omnibus Appropriations Bill

Last night, the U.S. House and Senate Appropriations Committees released text of a FY18 spending bill to provide funding for programs within the U.S. Department of Education. IHEP President Michelle Asha Cooper released the following statement:

"The draft spending plan released last night demonstrates true bipartisan support for need-based federal student aid programs – the Pell Grant and the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant – both essential for promoting college access and affordability. The draft spending plan raises the maximum Pell Grant to $6,095, an increase of $175 for the 2018-19 academic year and maintains support for Year-Round Pell. Moreover, the plan keeps all program funds intact. Another vital aid program, the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants receives a much-needed funding increase of over $100 million, which will help more students with exceptional financial need cover college costs. This draft spending plan includes targeted support for our hardworking students seeking to reach their full potential by pursuing a college education. IHEP urges lawmakers to pass this bipartisan plan without delay."