(This legislative update has been assembled by the UH System Office of Governmental Relations and edited by the UH Office of University Relations as a service to the UH System community.)
According to a White House announcement released January 21, the President's FY 2001 budget request will include funding increases for several student aid programs, a new program to encourage students to complete their college education, and a new tax incentive to help make college more affordable for poor and middle-class households. The President's complete budget request will be released on February 7.
The President will request an increase in the Pell Grant program large enough to support a maximum award of $3,500, up from $3,300 in FY 2000. The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) program would receive a $60 million increase, to a total of $691 million. The federal Work Study program would be funded at $1.011 billion, an increase of $77 million from FY 2000. In addition, the President will resubmit his plan for a College Completion Challenge Grant program, which Congress did not implement for FY 2000. This $35 million program would provide grant money to institutions of higher education for experimental programs aimed at reducing the dropout rate of disadvantaged students.
Under the terms of the tax incentive proposal, called the "College Opportunity Tax Cut," families would have the option of either taking a tax deduction or claiming a 28 % credit for tuition and fees to pay for college and other higher education. According to the White House, "the proposal would cover up to $5000 of educational expenses in 2001 and 2002, and rise to $10,000 starting in 2003." Thus, at 28 %, the proposal would be worth up to $2800 per year in tax relief per household for expenses related to college, graduate work, or courses to enhance job skills. Eligibility would phase out for individuals with income levels between $50,000 and $60,000, and for married filers with income levels between $100,000 and $200,000.
Further details are available from the White House press office at www.whitehouse.gov/library/PressReleases.cgi
Guidelines for Contacting Legislators
It's important that legislators hear from faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the UH System. But if you are a member of the faculty or staff (a state employee) wishing to contact your legislator, it's equally important to follow certain guidelines when you write or fax letters. Go to <http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/gov/process/letter_writing.html>. for letter-writing guidelines.
For information on governmental relations policies, go to <http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/gov/policies/lobbying.html>.
To find the names and addresses of U.S. Senators and Congressmen/women, go to <http://www.usfronline.com/congress.htm>
To find the names and addresses of Texas Senators and Representatives, go to <http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/members.htm>, or <http://www.house.state.tx.us/house/byzip.htm>.