SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8009

BYSenators Moore and Talmadge

Requesting rejection of reductions in student financial aid.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 26, 1987; January 15, 1988

Senate Staff:Jo-Ellen Thomas (786-7784)

AS OF JANUARY 15, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In 1987 President Reagan proposed reducing federal support to student financial aid by $3.9 billion or 45 percent in fiscal year 1988.  His proposal would have eliminated the federal College Work/Study Program, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, National Direct Student Loan and the State Student Incentive Grant.  The proposal, if enacted, would have escalated a decline in federal support for financial aid that has fallen 23 percent in the past six years while costs of higher education have risen 61 percent in the private sector and 50 percent in the public sector.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature petitions the President, the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate to reject further reductions in student financial aid and take measures to make such aid proportionate to the increased cost of attending higher education institutions.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested