SENATE BILL REPORT

SJM 8014

BYSenators Hayner, Bottiger, Talmadge, Vognild, Saling, Patterson, Benitz, Sellar, Zimmerman, Barr, Newhouse, McCaslin, Craswell and Nelson

Conveying students' concerns about federal budget cuts in educational financial aid.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 18, 1988

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

AS OF JANUARY 18, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In 1987 President Reagan proposed reducing the student financial aid system 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 Loans, and the State Student Incentive Grant.  The proposal would also have greatly reduced the Guaranteed Student Loan and Pell Grant Programs.  If enacted, the proposal would have escalated a 23 percent, six-year decline in federal support for financial aid, while higher education costs have risen 61 percent in the private sector and 50 percent in the public sector.

SUMMARY:

The Legislature petitions the President, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, and the Secretary of Education to convey its concerns on behalf of Washington students.  It is resolved that copies of this memorial be immediately sent to the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, Senators Dan Evans and Brock Adams, and to each member of Congress from the State of Washington.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested