May 17th, 2007
Dear
Member of Congress,
On
behalf of hundreds of thousands of students we urge you to support the 2008
Budget Resolution, S. Con. Res. 21. This
budget provides a meaningful increase in funding for education programs and
paves the way for larger pro-student reform.
The
2008 Congressional budget provides a $5.6 billion increase in education
funding, including the Pell Grant Program, compared to last year’s budget. The 2007 budget passed earlier this year
provided the first increase to the maximum Pell Grant award in four years. Additional education funding will allow this
Congress to deliver on its promise of a $5,100 Pell Grant.
The
budget also includes reconciliation instructions to the Education Committees
requiring cuts of $750 million over the next six years. This year, the Chairs of the Education
Committees have outlined significant higher education reform agendas and have
committed to directing these cuts to private lenders. These reconciliation instructions
pave the way for much needed reform of the federal student loan system. By cutting excessive subsidies to private
lenders beyond what reconciliation instructions require Congress can provide
students with less expensive loans and more federal grant aid.
We
believe this budget continues the commitment to increased educational
investment outlined in the 2007 Continuing Resolution and takes a step in the
right direction for America’s
students.
Sincerely,
Rebecca
Thompson Luke
Swarthout
Legislative
Director Higher
Education Advocate
United
States Student Association U.S.
Public Interest Research Group
Letter.HigherEducation.PIRG-USSA.May2007.doc