CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT LOW-INCOME STUDENTS PURSUING HIGHER EDUCATION
Bill helps ensure unexpected financial burdens do not prevent students from completing their degrees
(Washington, D.C.) — Today, Congressman Joe Morelle introduced legislation to help ensure unanticipated emergencies do not create additional barriers for students pursuing higher education degrees. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) also introduced companion legislation in the Senate. The Emergency Grant Aid for College Students Act establishes an emergency grant program for institutions of higher education to efficiently provide small grants to support students with unexpected expenses that may otherwise jeopardize their ability to complete their education.
“Every student deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their goals,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Unfortunately, financial emergencies like a vehicle breaking down or the sudden loss of a job can derail a lifetime of hard work, preventing young people from completing coursework or causing them to drop out altogether. I am proud to introduce this important legislation and ensure students have the support and resources necessary to reach their full potential.”
Currently, low-income students earn degrees in higher education at a lower rate than their peers in the upper half of the income distribution. For many of these students, emergency costs like a flat tire, the unexpected loss of a job, or a sudden illness can be the financial tipping point that causes them to drop out of school entirely.
The Emergency Grant Aid for College Students Act would authorize a new competitive grant program to help institutions participating in the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) provide students with emergency funds when a financial emergency directly impacts their ability to stay in school.
Emergency grants awarded to students must be for financial challenges that directly affect a student’s ability to continue their course of study, such as: loss of employment, transportation, childcare or housing; food insecurity; medical conditions; and, in the case of a dependent student, death of a parent or guardian or medical condition of the parent or guardian.
###