The Daily Tar Heel
Printing news. Raising hell. Since 1893.
Friday, March 29, 2024 Newsletters Latest print issue

We keep you informed.

Help us keep going. Donate Today.
The Daily Tar Heel

Letter: Stop Pell Grant money from getting cut

TO THE EDITOR:

The future of financial aid is in dire straits. Pell Grants, which ensure low-income students the opportunity to attend college, are under attack in Congress. 

The FY17 spending agreement passed by Congress in May 2017 rescinded $1.3 billion from Pell Grants. 

This plan cut the grant program’s surplus, which is funding needed to pay for grants when the congressional prediction for how much aid is needed falls short. 

The current Pell surplus is at $8.5 billion, and it has taken years to grow. 

But, if the economy tanks and job opportunities decrease, more students will go back to college, and the Pell Grant program will see a shortfall. 

Recently, the FY18 spending agreement that passed the House in July proposes a cut of an additional $3.3 billion of the $8.5 billion surplus, much to the ire of college affordability advocates. 

The cut places the program at risk of future reductions to grants that would exacerbate student debt and limit access to higher education.

Our only saving grace is that the Senate has yet to act or debate on this proposed spending bill. 

To pressure senators, the NCPIRG chapter at UNC-Chapel Hill will host a week of action to protect Pell Grant funding this week from Oct 9-13. 

We urge you to call your senators and congressional representative to voice your concerns regarding the future of Pell Grant funding before it is too late. 

Join us in raising awareness by tweeting #PellRaiser on your social media accounts!

Kent McKane

Economics

Sophomore

To get the day's news and headlines in your inbox each morning, sign up for our email newsletters.