By
Emily Severson
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Members vow to keep lobbying for bigger increase
After what some deem as a moderate 5.9 percent increase to the 2002-2003 federal education budget, UA student government members say they are pleased with any step in the right direction.
"I think this proposal sends a positive message," said Ben Graff, president of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona. "I would always like to see more money being allocated to us, but it is great to see support at a national level."
President George W. Bush has proposed to add $1 billion to the total amount awarded to Pell grants in 2002-2003. This proposal would add about $100 to the maximum Pell grant, which would increase the amount a student could receive to $3,850.
The 2001-2002 Pell grant funding will be increased by $450 because of previous legislation, increasing the maximum grant available from $3,300 to $3,750.
"In fairness, the 2001-2002 is the biggest increase we have ever seen," said John Nametz, a UA student financial aid director. "What Bush is proposing would not be as much as we hoped for, but any increase is a wonderful thing."
Pell grants are for eligible undergraduate college students in financial need. They are the largest federally-funded grant program for individual students.
Lobbying for a Pell grant increase was one of the major issues members of the Arizona Student Association lobbied for in Washington D.C. during this year's spring break.
Kelly Dalton, an ASA director, said the increase in grant money was especially important for Arizona undergraduates because the average student graduates with an $18,000 debt. Typically, Pell grants cover only 39 percent of the average student's cost of attending a four-year university.
"We think the need for grants instead of loans is very important," Dalton said.
She added that there has been an increase in loans awarded to students and a decrease in grants, or "gift aid."
"Lobbying for an increase in Pell grants has always been something we have worked hard for," Dalton said. "As the cost of education increases so should the grant money available."
She added that ASA would always like to see more of an increase in Pell grant funding, but she was happy with the increase for now.
Graff said increasing national funding was something ASUA would continue to work for but he appreciated any attention given to federal education spending.
The U.S. Department of Education calculates the student's financial eligibility for assistance based on the student's expected family contribution, cost of attendance and enrollment status.
