Heinrich Calls to Save Funding for Pell Grant Scholarships

Press Release

In the early hours of the morning on Saturday, February 19, 2011, when the House of Representatives was finishing their debate on the Republicans' proposed spending bill, U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich (NM-1) tried to save Pell Grant scholarships from the chopping block. Pell Grant scholarships are the single largest source of federal grant aid for post-secondary education.

Under the House Republicans' bill, funding for Federal Pell Grant scholarships in New Mexico would be cut by $39 million in fiscal year 2011 from current levels, which would significantly reduce or eliminate federal financial aid for almost 10,307 low-income college students and slice $845 off of the current maximum award. [Source]

In a floor statement to a packed chamber, Rep. Heinrich introduced the Motion to Recommit (MTR) to amend H.R. 1, the Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year 2011, to keep Pell Grant scholarships at their current level. The amendment was designed to be paid for by cutting salaries and expenses at the Department of Education.

Rep. Heinrich pointed to the story of Specialist John Carabillo who relies on a Pell Grant to earn his associates degree in Albuquerque. Rep. Heinrich said in his speech:

"Consider the effects of the bill before us on Specialist John Carabillo from my home state of New Mexico.

"Specialist Carabillo served in the Army for six years, and was deployed to Iraq twice during his service. He then enlisted with the National Guard and served an additional tour in Iraq. After returning to New Mexico, Specialist Carabillo decided he wanted to go back to school and earn his degree in IT.

"The Pell Grant scholarships and GI benefits Specialist Carabillo receives have allowed him to enroll in an associate's program at a vocational school. When he graduates he hopes to find an IT job at Kirtland Air Force Base.

"The Republican bill would cut Specialist Carabillo's Pell Grant scholarship. This cut in his financial aid means that he will have to take fewer courses this year and graduate later, try to take a loan he can't afford, or drop out of school.

"Specialist Carabillo is not alone.

"If students who rely on collage aid from the Pell Grant program drop out of school, America runs the risk of dropping out of first place in the world economy. This Motion to Recommit would be a down payment to restore Specialist Carabillo's future."

Source