ICCTA Action Alert Nov. 22, 2002 The following information was compiled from the American Association of Community Colleges. Perkins Funding Threatened AACC has become aware through reliable sources that the Bush Administration is seriously considering eliminating ALL funding next year for the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act. The proposal would be part of the President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2004 budget submission to Congress early next year. This possibility is extremely surprising given the attention and emphasis by the Administration on the upcoming reauthorization of the Perkins Act. Reports indicate that this dramatic action is being contemplated in order to help pay for the massive shortfall now facing the Pell Grant program. As you all know, the Perkins Act provides critical program funds to community and technical colleges. If these funds were eliminated the quality of community college vocational programs across the country would suffer. The elimination of funding would be especially devastating given the current financial straits of most community colleges. AACC remains a strong supporter of the Pell Grant program -- the cornerstone of federal financial aid which enables millions of low income students to access a higher education. However, while we believe that it is important to provide the resources needed to fund Pell Grants, eliminating another important program for students and community colleges is not the answer. Therefore, we ask you to call, fax or email the members of Congress, particularly Republicans because they will have the most influence over the Bush Administration, and ask them to urge the Office of Management and Budget (O.M.B.) and the White House to provide at least level funding for the Perkins Act in FY 2004. We thank you for your help. Please be advised that time is of the essence. For more information on how to help, please contact Ellynne Bannon, Legislative Associate, via e-mail at ebannon@aacc.nche.edu or 202-728-0200, ext. 249. Illinois Community College Trustees Association 401 E. Capitol Ave., Suite 200 Springfield, IL 62701-1711 217-528-2858 (phone) 217-528-8662 (fax) ICCTA@communitycolleges.org (e-mail) http://www.communitycolleges.org | Home | News | Events | Links |