PHENOM and the State Budget

Over the past few weeks PHENOM mobilized hundreds of people to try to influence the House budget.  We urged Representatives to increase revenues and to increase need-based financial aid.  We were partly successful, and now the focus is on the Senate.

The House

Revenue:  The House voted to increase the sales tax by 1.25 cents, generating about $900 million in additional revenue — hardly enough to deal with the enormous budget deficit facing the state, but a step in the right direction.

MASSGrant:  The House voted to restore $10 million of the $14 million cut from the financial aid budget.  This was a victory, but leaves us behind last year’s inadequate amount.  See PHENOMs Fact Sheet on MASSGrant.

The Senate

2 key senators have introduced 2 amendments to the Senate budget to increase need-based financial aid.  Please call your State Senator today to urge him/her to sign on as co-sponsors.

What is in the Senate Ways and Means budget?
It cuts funding for financial aid significantly below what it is this year, and even well below the amount passed by the House, which includes a small reduction.  It also includes some programs previously included elsewhere, so the real cut is even bigger than it appears.  The budget includes no new revenues, but we are urging the full Senate to raise a large amount of new revenues in as progressive a way as possible.

What are the amendments?
One would give MASSGrant an earmark and guarantee that it would not be cut this year. The other would fund all of financial aid at the same level as the House. PHENOM is supporting both, even they fall short of what we were advocating for.

Who is sponsoring the amendments?
Senator Anthony Galluccio, current Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education
Senator Robert O’Leary, previous Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education

How can my Senator be supportive?
He/she should call Senator Galluccio’s office at 617-722-1650 and ask to be listed as a co-sponsor on the financial aid amendments.  He/she can also sign on at the Senate Clerk’s office next week.
How can I find out who my Senator is?
Enter your street address at www.wheredoivotema.com.
Go to http://www.mass.gov/legis/memmenus.htm to find his or her phone number.
What should I say to the Senator or aide?

1. Say briefly that you think making college affordable is critical for our students, potential students and a successful economic recovery.
2. You recognize that the state budget is in crisis, and that’s why you will support the Senator if s/he votes for a tax increase, which should be done in as progressive a way as possible.

What’s the history of MASSGrant?

In 1988, MASSGrant covered 80% of recipients’ average charges; today it covers only 14%.  Funding has been slashed while college costs have skyrocketed.  The Board of Higher Education believes the program is currently under-funded by at least $14 million.

Show me the numbers

FY 2009 GAA Budget     7070-0065           96,875,218

Governor’s Budget          7066-0025           100,396,468   (includes some additional items)

FY 2010 House W&M    7070-0065             82,875,218

Department of Higher Education recommends additional $14.1 million for MassGrant.   See page 13 of http://www.mass.edu/aboutus/documents/FAAP09-11.pdf

PHENOM asking for 110,975,218 and a separate line item for MASSGrant

House passed               7070-0065               92,875,218

Senate Ways and Means    7066-0025          84,024,779 (includes some additional items)

Senate Amendment         7066-0025          92,875,218