Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1539593
Pell Grants evade major cuts, remain under threat W H I L E T H E P O P U L A R Pell Grant program that helps an estimated 6.4 million American students in need (and nearly 1 million in California alone) escaped major cuts, Trump's budget bill freezes Pell Grant funding at current levels, effectively amounting to a cut in student aid — especially in conjunction with inflation and rising college costs. Trump and the GOP-controlled Congress also eliminated the Pell Grant reserve fund, which was used to stabilize the program when nec- essary and opens the door for future eligibility cuts and award reductions. Critics say the issue isn't about dollar amounts, it's about priorities. Instead of expanding access to higher ed, the federal government is moving to restrict it, undermining public educa- tion and threatening upward mobility for millions. "(Trump's budget bill) abandons students who rely on Pell to access college," says NEA President Becky Pringle. "It's a betrayal of opportunity." Funding to assist English Learners Title III-A is a component of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act). The budgeted $890 million in Title III-A federal funding to local educational agencies (LEAs) provides support for English Learner and immigrant students in public and private schools and helps ensure they develop high levels of academic achievement. Funds are also used for professional development, family and community engagement and supplemental instructional materials. California received $157 million in Title III-A funding this year, according to the state Dept. of Education. " This money can make an incredible difference in helping teachers to learn how to teach kids English, and so we can support our kids so they can show up for school," said Jimmy Barbuto, a member of Oakland Education Assn.'s Newcomer committee. "California has the largest population of English Learners in the country, and we must protect these vital services and funding that frankly isn't even close to enough as it is to meet the needs of our students and educators." While this year 's funding appears to be intact after being "frozen", Barbuto and other advocates say we must continue to push education leaders at the state and federal level to increase funding and invest in evidence-based language acquisition services. 33 S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 5