WASHINGTON (07/12/17) – Today, John B. King Jr., president and CEO of The Education Trust, issued this statement on the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education FY18 Appropriations Bill.

“The bill put forward by the House is exceptionally shortsighted. It will hamper the long-term success of the American economy and the long-term health of our democracy, both of which depend on ensuring a quality education for all of our students.

“The $3.3 billion raid of Pell reserves is particularly egregious. It erodes the stability of the Pell Grant program, an essential tool for increasing access to higher education for low-income students and students of color. Moreover, the bill freezes the Pell maximum grant amount for the first time in six years. This means a Pell Grant will cover even less of the cost of attending college next year. Now is the time to invest in Pell, not to undercut it.

“The House also has elected to cut critically important resources that schools need, including the complete limination of Title II Part A funding, which supports teachers and school leaders.

“Instead of pursuing these misguided cuts, Congress should focus on raising the budget caps and drafting a
bipartisan appropriations bill that invests in students, their success, and our nation’s future.”