The op-ed points out the dramatic impact the proposed cuts would have on Louisiana students:
Today, Nola.com published an op-ed authored by Cowen Institute Executive Director Amanda Kruger Hill and Director of College & Career Success Mia Gonzales Washington about the pending cuts faced to the Pell Grant program due to federal budget negotiations. The op-ed points out the dramatic impact the proposed cuts would have on Louisiana students:
More than 107,428 Louisianians used the Pell Grant last year to pursue higher education or workforce training, from recent high school graduates to working adults seeking new skills or career changes. The Pell Grant, a need-based federal program, helps cover tuition at public and private institutions for low- and moderate-income students. Most recipients come from families earning under $40,000 a year, and many juggle jobs, caregiving responsibilities and coursework while pursuing their education.
Congress is currently negotiating the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a budget package that includes income tax cut extensions and education funding changes. The bill includes important funding to shore up the Pell Grant — $10.5 billion to ensure the program has enough funds …
In our work at the Cowen Institute, we annually publish a report on life after high school for New Orleans high school graduates. The economic data about New Orleans is clear — the city’s economy is overly reliant on the tourism and hospitality industries, which typically have lower wages and salaries than other industries. A college education is a ladder for New Orleans youth, as well as students statewide, to attain the skills necessary to achieve higher-paying, family-sustaining employment. These are the very type of jobs that Louisiana needs more of and that bolster the economy of the entire state.