Washington Insider

Extract

Representative John A. Boehner (ROH), Chairman of the House Committee on Higher Education, supports President Bush's proposal to increase the maximum Pell Grant by $500 over the next five years as well as raise the amount students can borrow from federal student loan programs. While college lobbyists and policy makers are pleased to applaud the president's proposed improvements, they are disturbed at how the proposals will be paid for. In part, these changes will be paid for by canceling the Perkins Loan Program, a popular program among low and middle class families. Colleges would also be expected to return the federal share of the money used to fund Perkins Loans. The president's proposed budget will also end several popular programs that help motivate and prepare low income students for college.