Senate Approves Crucial Student Aid Measure

TexPIRG

Statement of TexPIRG Advocate Melissa Cubria on the U.S. Senate’s 79 – 16 vote to pass the Fiscal Year 2011 Consolidated Appropriations Act, with a crucial amendment to fully fund the Pell Grant program.

“Pell Grants are the cornerstone of federal financial aid, enabling over eight million students to afford higher education and post-secondary job training at a time when our economy is in dire need of skilled professionals.
 
“Had the Senate failed to fully fund the program, the students with the most need would have seen their Pell Grant slashed by $845.
 
“The U.S. House is expected to approve the measure tonight.”