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Local Congress members are being appealed to by presidents of universities in San Diego area to protect and preserve the student Pell Grants program for higher education. This follows the proposed changes to the financial aid program of the Federal government by both the Republican controlled house and President Barack Obama.

There is an appeal by at least four presidents in this area to sustain maximum amount of aid that can be received by students from the Pell Grant. In a letter to the Congress, the presidents appealed that though they understand the complex budgetary demands faced by the government, the only way to ensure a sustained economic recovery that can further the future of our nation is for the Federal government to commit strongly to student financial aid. They reiterated the fact that needy students will be affected if there is a reduction in the Pell Grant funding.

Based on their enrollment status, tuition costs and amount of money contributed by their families, low income under graduate and graduate students receive financial aid from the Pell Grant. According to Christine Vaughan, the campus spokeswoman, at least 3600 students there receive Pell Grants half of whom receive a maximum of $5,500 per year.

There is a proposal by Obama to maintain per student maximum Pell Grant at $5,550 a year. In order to balance out payment for the grant, he has also proposed huge cuts amounting to $100 billion in professional and graduate student loan subsidies. He has also proposed ending the “year round Pell” which resulted in some students collecting two grants in a year.

There is a push by Congressional Republicans for a $5.6 billion cut from the Pell program. It is unclear yet whether the cut will reduce all grants in a proportional manner or just lower the cap. According to a Bilbray spokesman Travis Considine, approved in the year 2009 as a part of the Federal stimulus package, Pell Grant cap was just a temporary hike.

He also said that education is being subsidized by the taxpayer and by reigning in Washington spending; they are trying to provide relief to taxpayers. Over the past few years, there has been a constant rise in the Pell Grants.

According to Vaughn, there is serious concern on the impact of these cuts both in the short and long term on students in Cal State region. She said that many students may not have the means to complete their college education without the Pell Grant support. This in turn will deny the region of a host of educated, skilled workers.

Nancy Chadwick the trustee of Palomar College said that administrators and board members of the college became aware of the proposed changes during the Washington DC national legislative summit and subsequently met with the congressional representatives urging them to support all forms of student financial aid including Pell Grant.

This kind of appeal from universities will now continue and it remains to be seen whether the congress heeds their voices and acts.