May 2009

Feature: State acts to boost aid for college students
Update: Students and supporters made a difference
Update: Panel seeks examples of burdensome regulations
Student voice: Tina VanSteenbergen

Read on the Web   Past issues

Editor’s note
You are receiving this because we have record of your interest in being part of the Minnesota Private College Council legislative action network. The Council will send you this occasional education policy e-newsletter — as well as potential opportunities for you to share your views with policy makers.

• Have a comment or suggestion? Let us know in an e-mail.
• Find this worth reading? Pass it on.
• Not interested in being part of this network? Use the subscription management link at the bottom.

FEATURE:
State acts to boost aid for college students

While the legislative session ended Monday night with plenty of acrimony and disagreement, there was bipartisan support for helping keep college accessible through need-based aid. Legislation that was finalized and approved in the closing days of the session will lead to a $70 million increase in State Grant awards over the next two years.

The changes will:

• Make more than 9,000 students newly eligible for government aid,
• Increase the average grant by 17 percent, raising it to $1,712, and
• Help eligible students who are not able to complete a bachelor's degree in four years by awarding the grant for an additional semester.

"With today's economic hardships, expanding Minnesota's need-based aid was more important than ever," said Pam Jolicoeur, president of Concordia College and board chair at the Minnesota Private College Council. "Our policy leaders saw the need to act now to build the educated workforce that will be required in the future as we move into recovery. We thank them for their leadership."

Grants through the State Grant program help 83,000-some students afford college educations at two- or four-year institutions that are both public and private. Most recipients' families have incomes below $40,000. The State Grant's impact is felt strongest at public institutions, which enroll most of the recipients. But the program is also important for students at nonprofit private colleges and universities, where State Grant awards are received by about a quarter of the undergraduate student body.

At $70 million over two years, this will be the largest increase in State Grant awards in more than a decade. While the majority of the funds will help students at public institutions, more than $16 million is likely to benefit students at nonprofit private colleges.

State and federal governments take action
Governor Tim Pawlenty signed the Omnibus Higher Education Appropriations Bill into law on May 16. The Senate and House had negotiated and agreed on the legislation (SF 2083) earlier in the month.
 
The first step was taken earlier this year by the President and members of Congress when they put $15.6 billion of new funds into the Pell Grant program, as part of the stimulus bill. Since the State Grant program is linked to the Pell, the new federal funds made the increase in State Grant awards possible. But to secure that increase, Minnesota policymakers had to keep current state funding stable, despite the budget deficit. And on that front, all branches of state government agreed.

"After years of helping students less and less, state and federal governments are stepping up and doing more," said David B. Laird, Jr., president of the Minnesota Private College Council. "There is a significant shift, one that recognizes that we need to act now to strengthen our economy for the long haul."

Yet some uncertainty remains
The state still faces a $1 billion deficit that Gov. Pawlenty plans to address through his "unallotment" authority to make necessary cuts. Without knowing what areas will be targeted, it is unclear if the State Grant funding could shift. Supporters of need-based aid will need to continue to monitor the situation and advocate for students.

UPDATE
Students and supporters made a difference

More than 500 students from private colleges and universities participated in a Day at the Capitol event in February, March or April. Students advocating for the State Grant program met with virtually all legislative representatives. This was the biggest number of student advocates we have ever had. Legislators heard first-hand about the difference that need-based aid makes to keeping college affordable.

While the Council has been an ongoing champion for the program, other groups have urged policymakers to be supportive this session, including the Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans, the Chicano Latino Affairs Council and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.

Policymakers also heard directly from college board members and other supporters of our students. Combined, all these outreach efforts made a difference, building understanding of the importance of need-based aid.

UPDATE
Panel seeks examples of burdensome regulations

If you've noticed a needless federal regulation in higher education, an independent committee created by Congress wants to hear about it. The Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance would like to know about higher ed regs that are duplicative, no longer necessary, inconsistent or overly burdensome. Share any thoughts by mid-July.

STUDENT VOICE
Tina VanSteenbergen

Tina VanSteenbergen is graduating this month from Hamline University with a degree is social studies education. Active in student affairs, her leadership roles include serving as president of the Hamline Undergraduate Student Congress.

"I rely on my Hamline scholarships and grants, the State Grant and outside scholarships to cover most of the cost. The rest I cover through alternative student loans.... The education I have been privileged to have at Hamline University has helped make me the person I am today — one who is now prepared and excited to graduate and enter the world to serve and learn."