Thanks for the good news, Eric. I appreciate your keeping us informed.--Alan Parks

On Wed, Sep 19, 2018 at 4:34 PM Eric Pratt <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Good Afternoon MEEOA Members, 

I hope this email finds you well on this fall afternoon! 

I would like to write to inform you that an appropriations deal has been reached by the House and Senate. This FY 2019 spending bill (beginning October 1) has proposed an increase to TRIO funding to $1.06 billion, a $50 Million from FY18. This is very exciting, however, it still needs to pass by September 30th in order to be sent to the president to be signed. 

Additionally, the maximum amount for the Pell Grant would increase by $100 to the tune of $6,195, total, if the bill is passed. While this increase is a step in the right direction, it is not quite enough to keep up with inflation and would not do as much for our low-income students as they need. 

I will continue to report as more news surrounding this spending bill comes out. Thank you for your time. 

If you would like to read the full article about the bill, follow the link below:
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2018/09/17/congressional-spending-bill-means-increases-student-aid-research

Best,  

Eric  

--
Eric Pratt
Pronouns: He|Him|His

Academic Counselor 
MEEOA Government Relations Chair
Upward Bound | University of Maine at Farmington
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Farmington, ME 04938
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