Rep. Bradley, Colleagues Urge Senators Kerry and Brown

to Oppose Cuts in Federal Student Financial Aid Programs

March 1, 2011

(Boston) -State Representative Garrett Bradley has joined many of his colleagues in the Legislature in asking Senators Kerry and Brown to oppose cuts in federal student financial aid programs that were included in the House Appropriations FY 2011 Continuing Resolution.

“Throughout this recession families have been forced to make sacrifices and financial aid programs have helped many students further their education”, said Representative Bradley.  “I feel these financial aid programs are critical to the success and advancement of our children and I hope the federal government will fund these programs at an adequate level.”

Federal financial aid programs have been a vital component in helping to ensure access to higher education for students, regardless of their income.  In Massachusetts, Pell Grants alone help make it possible for over 117,000 students attend postsecondary education institutions. The current stop-gap resolution expired on March 4, and the House passed a proposal Feb. 19 that, among cuts in other areas, would reduce Pell Grants by $61 billion for this fall.  This would cut the average grant by $785, and would bring down the maximum grant by $845 dollars to $4,705.