Legislators Show Continued Support for Doubling Pell

Democrats in the House and Senate have once again re-introduced the Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act, which would increase the program’s maximum award. The bill would increase the maximum grant to $14,000 over 5 years and index it to inflation for future increases. 

The legislation would also:

• Make the Pell Grant program a mandatory entitlement to avoid funding shortfalls;
• Make DREAMer students eligible for Pell Grants;
• Allow an additional $1,500 grant for students in the SNAP or Medicaid programs;
• Reinstate the 18-semester lifetime eligibility limit; and
• Expand the minimum grant to ensure part-time students can receive assistance.

The companion bills were introduced with 26 original co-sponsors in the House and 33 original co-sponsors in the Senate. 

Because of its support for doubling the Pell Grant, NAICU endorsed the bill and joined 23 other education organizations that also supported the measure, many of which are partners in the Double Pell Alliance, an ongoing campaign highlighting the important role the program plays in helping low-income students pursue their college dreams. The Pell Grant has enjoyed bipartisan support since its creation in 1972 and this legislation will keep the program, and the need to increase the maximum award, front and center for policy makers.