ICCTA Action Alert Jan. 13, 2003 The following information is forwarded from Ellynne Bannon of the American Association of Community Colleges. Ask Sen. Fitzgerald to Support FY 03 Funding Increase I am writing to you to ask for your help in securing additional higher education funding for fiscal year 2003. As you know, the U.S. Congress is trying to complete work on FY 2003 spending bills by the end of the month when the current continuing resolution expires. Last week the House introduced a free standing FY 2003 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill that provides an increase of only 0.7% above FY 2002 spending levels. The bill will not be marked up, or go to the floor, but it will represent the House's "official" position in the House-Senate conference of the FY 2003 appropriations bills. The Senate is expected to vote on an omnibus FY 2003 appropriations bill this week or next. The Senate figures for Labor-HHS-Education funding are expected to be reduced by $2.7 billion from the previous committee approved levels for FY 2003 (or $500 million above the House's proposal). As community colleges face severe budget cuts and surging enrollment, it is more important than ever for Congress to invest in higher education funding. Senator Tom Harkin (IA), the ranking member of the Senate Labor-HHS-Education appropriations subcommittee, and Senators Kennedy (MA) and Lieberman (CT) plan to offer an amendment to the omnibus bill that would provide an additional $4.5 billion in education funding for FY 2003 -- including a $500 increase in the Pell Grant maximum award. Currently 46 Senators have indicated that they will support this amendment. 51 votes are needed for passage. Please contact your U.S. Senators, particularly those listed below, today to urge them to support the $4.5 billion education amendment that includes a $500 increase in the Pell Grant maximum, to $4,500. If you would like more information you can reach me via email (ebannon@aacc.nche.edu ) or phone (202-728-0200 x249). Thanks for your help!! * Senator Fitzgerald (IL) * Senator Snowe (ME) Senator Collins (ME) Senator Smith (OR) Senator Specter (PA) Senator McCain (AZ) Senator Domenici (NM) Senator Chafee (RI) 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 |