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State Representative Joe Atkins
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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ATKINS’ BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION WOULD MAKE COLLEGE MORE AFFORDABLE
ST. PAUL, MN - For college students and their families who are struggling with rising tuition costs, a bill introduced by State Representative Joe Atkins may provide some welcome relief. Working with federal and state officials, both Democrats and Republicans, Atkins has crafted legislation that would provide a $70 million increase in aid to Minnesota college students, without additional cost to the State of Minnesota. New funding provided by Atkins’ bipartisan effort would help make college more affordable for thousands of Minnesota students from low- and middle-income families.
“The nationwide financial crisis has made qualifying for student aid more difficult, and the recession has put incredible strain on family budgets. That’s why expanding access to grants and scholarships is so important right now," said Rep. Atkins. “By passing this bill we can help make college possible for thousands of students who would otherwise have been denied access to a higher education. That’s not just good for those students and their families, but for Minnesota’s economy generally.”
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed into law by President Obama last month increased the maximum Pell Grant award for college students nationwide. That effort will provide an additional $70 million in grant money for Minnesota students - as long as the state holds up its end of the bargain. Because the Minnesota State Grant Program and the Pell Grant work cooperatively, Minnesota students won’t be eligible for this new funding unless Atkins’ policy changes are passed this year in the legislature.
“These grants change lives and fuel Minnesota’s economy by helping create and sustain a highly-skilled, competitive workforce,” said Atkins. “For the sake of our students and the state’s economic future, we can’t afford to let this opportunity pass Minnesota by.”
Already Atkins’ bill has achieved broad bipartisan support at the State Capitol. Lawmakers from both parties recognize the need for matching the federal government’s effort and the value of investing in Minnesota’s students.
The Minnesota State Grant Bill is moving through the legislative process. For more information about this legislation contact State Rep. Joe Atkins by phone at (651) 296-4192 (office) or by email at rep.joe.atkins@house.mn.
News Items
- Rep. Atkins, Sen. Lourey Introduce Health Insurance Exchange Legislation - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:44PM)
- Rep. Atkins – Statement on Deal to End NHL Lockout - (Posted: Jan 7 2013 2:05PM)
- Rep. Atkins to Hold Minnesota House Hearing on Economic Impact of Hockey Lockout - (Posted: Jan 2 2013 3:20PM)
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