Help Needed on Bill to Increase Pell Grants by $87 Billion

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(Community College League of Cal., Jan. 26, 2010)

Here’s an update on the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act ("SAFRA"), or H.R. 3221. This is the bill that passed the House of Representatives in September and would reinvest $87 billion in savings from student loan programs in increased Pell Grants and the American Graduation Initiative.

Yesterday, Contra Costa CCD Chancellor Helen Benjamin, Chancellor Jack Scott, AACC Vice President David Baime and Scott Lay, head of the Community College League, met with Congressman George Miller, chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor. Chairman Miller continues to be a passionate supporter of community colleges and the investments included in H.R. 3221, as does President Obama and the Administration. Chairman Miller and his staff have actively engaged with the League to ensure the final bill works for California 's community colleges. However, we must convince the Senate that this education bill is a priority that should be addressed.

Will you e-mail or call Senators Boxer and Feinstein today to urge their quick action on the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act?

Ask our Senators to Support Quick Senate Action on the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act

E-mail Barbara Boxer or call (202) 224-3553
E-mail Dianne Feinstein or call (202) 224-3841

The bill:

would increase Pell Grant award and numbers by $40 billion over the next ten years.
would fund the American Graduation Initiative, which could provide approximately $150 million per year for California 's community colleges to enable improvements in student success.
would provide $625 million for community college capital facilities in California.
is fully paid for through savings created through the direct lending program.