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OPINIONS
Scott Robertson: Cutting financial aid programs is wrong way to go
In an ongoing battle over federal budget cuts, the U.S. Senate's decision to oppose House Resolution 1 -- legislations that would have cut funding for education and financial aid programs geared toward millions of disadvantaged students and low-income families -- signals a win for all Americans.
The U.S. House majority-sponsored bill would have crushed the educational opportunities for many students by cutting the Pell Grants they depend on to help pay for the rising cost of college tuition and fees. Also, H.R. 1 threatened to significantly slash funding for TRIO and GEAR UP programs, which have both proven to be touchstones for helping students access and complete postsecondary education.
Why propose legislation that cuts billions of dollars designed to help the most disadvantaged Americans in a time when they need the most help? Attempts to pass bills that jeopardize the existence of programs necessary to making America competitive globally is reckless. Short-term political gain should not be at the root of decisions that will impact the long-term economic stability and national security of America. Besides, West Virginia certainly could not afford more cuts to higher education.
It would be difficult to find many people in West Virginia who would argue against attempts to reduce the federal deficit. As tough decisions will undoubtedly have to be made in this economic climate, we must continue to examine carefully our policymakers' decisions about "what" and "why" they cut and not just "how much" they cut from the federal budget. Conversely, we should be willing to applaud those lawmakers who review proposed legislation with a thoughtfulness and consideration of its impact on West Virginia residents as well as all citizens.
The leadership displayed by Sen. Jay Rockefeller and Sen. Joe Manchin, who voted down the potentially destructive H.R. 1, is one such commendable example. I know that low-income families and students across West Virginia commend them for taking this stand and voting to keep critical funding in our communities.
Scott Robertson currently serves as the WV TRiO president and works as a counselor with the Marshall University Heart of Appalachia Talent Search Program. He is also an alumnus of the two programs. The TRiO and HATS programs provide services to low-income, first generation college students and/or disabled youth, college students, veterans and adults.
