Weller Votes to Increase Education Grants, Pushes for More

Weller votes to increase education grants, pushes for more

U.S. Representative Jerry Weller (R-Morris) voted to increase federal education grants to low-income students as part of a spending measure that passed the House last week. The bill increases the maximum amount of Pell Grants to $4,310, an increase of $260. Weller also called on his colleagues to continue to find ways to make college more affordable, as the House readies to take up the FY 2008 budget.

"Increasing funding for education is not an expense, it's an investment," Weller said. "When we increase educational opportunities, we increase the opportunities for young people to pursue the dream of an education, to improve themselves and land good-paying jobs.

"More than five million students will have more money for college as a result of this bill," Weller continued. "The $260 increase is a good start in expanding this crucial program, and I advocate doing more."

If the bill is signed into law, the increased grant amount would be available in the 2007-2008 school year.

Pell Grants are unlike federal student loans in that they do not need to be repaid. They are usually awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree.

The Administration's FY 2008 Budget calls for further increasing the maximum Pell Grant levels. The budget proposal includes raising the limit to $5,400 by 2013.

"I agree with the President's call for higher education funding," Weller said. "The Administration's budget provides a good starting point to begin to work in a bi-partisan way to expand education opportunity to America's students.

"As we crunch the numbers and begin debate on the new budget," Weller said, "I urge my colleagues to make higher education spending a priority, particularly when it comes to raising our commitment to Pell Grants."

http://weller.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=57688