Rep. Miller Statement On $260 Boost For Pell Scholarship In Budget Resolution

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC -- A resolution announced yesterday by Rep. David Obey (D-WI) and Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV), the chairmen of the House and Senate appropriations committees, to fund federal programs for the duration of the 2007 fiscal year includes a significant $260 increase in the maximum value of the federal Pell Grant scholarship, from $4,050 to $4,310. Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, issued the following statement on the Obey-Byrd resolution today:

"For years under Republican leadership, Congress all but ignored the growing college cost crisis that was preventing many qualified students from going to college. Now, in just the first month of this new Democratic Congress, the House has already voted overwhelmingly to cut interest rates on need-based federal student loans. And this week, Congressman Obey and Senator Byrd have proposed another major step towards putting a college education in reach of every qualified student by boosting the Pell Grant scholarship by $260.

"Because of inaction on the part of Congress and the President over the last four years, the Pell Grant scholarship - which goes to low- and moderate-income students - has been frozen at $4,050. Finally, it will be getting a much-needed boost. By taking this step, we will be getting on track towards ensuring that the Pell Grant scholarship covers a greater share of recipients' overall college expenses. We have more work to do to make college more affordable, but this is a significant step in the right direction."

BACKGROUND

The House and Senate must still approve the Obey-Byrd resolution. If it becomes law, it will provide the first increase in the maximum Pell Grant scholarship since 2003, when it was raised by $50, from $4,000 to $4,050.

Increases in college costs have far outpaced increases in the Pell Grant scholarship. In the 2005-06 school year, the Pell covered just 33 percent of the average cost of tuition, fees, and room and board at a four-year public college or university, according to the College Board. In 2001-2002, the Pell covered 42 percent of those costs. And twenty years ago, the Pell covered nearly 60 percent of those costs.

Pell Grants are the basic federal scholarships for low- and moderate-income students. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tom Kiley / Rachel Racusen
2181 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-226-0853