Following a short partial government shutdown this past weekend, Congress has now passed, and the President has signed, an omnibus appropriations bill reopening several federal agencies, including the Departments of Education, Labor, and Health and Human Services.
Importantly for community colleges, the bill rejects proposed cuts to key student-support programs such as TRIO and the Pell Grant, and restores full funding for Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Minority-Serving Institutions, and AANAPISI grants. It also includes protections to prevent the redirection of these funds without congressional approval and requires greater transparency from the Department of Education.
Of note, the maximum Pell Grant award remains at $7,395, for the third consecutive year. In addition, the bill does not include new funding to support state implementation of the Workforce Pell program, which remains a priority in our federal advocacy efforts.
We will continue to press for strong federal support to ensure our students have access to affordable education and clear pathways to careers and good jobs.
