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Lawmakers, university leaders warn federal budget plans could shrink Pell, research and workforce aid
Summary
At a joint Assembly–Senate hearing, higher-education leaders told lawmakers that proposed federal reconciliation targets and executive actions risk cuts to Pell grants, student-aid administration, institutional research funding and teacher-preparation grants that support New Jersey students and campuses.
John Patrick Walsh, assistant vice president of federal relations at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, told a joint Assembly and Senate higher-education hearing on Feb. 13 that higher education faces “a very uncertain time” as Congress prepares budget reconciliation instructions that could force across-the-board savings.
“We are currently stuck at fiscal year 24 levels due to continuing resolutions,” Walsh said, adding that a projected Pell shortfall and reconciliation proposals could leave major programs underfunded. “This shortfall we're probably looking at another $5,000,000,000 shortfall by next year,” he said in reference to new Pell expansions combined with current budget conditions.
The session brought leaders from Rutgers University, Montclair State and statewide higher-education associations to the Statehouse to describe effects felt across campuses: fewer federal research awards and paused grant work; teacher preparation programs placed at risk; and community colleges' career-technical funding under pressure.
Nut graf: Lawmakers and university…
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