More financial aid is on the way for Texas A&M University-Commerce students.
The Federal Pell Grant Program was increased by the current U.S. Legislature by passing the College Cost Reduction Act.
“The College Cost Reduction Act raises the maximum Federal Pell Grant award to a student from $5,800 to $7,600 for 2008-2009,” U.S. House Representative Louie Gohmert said. “And by $1,000 each year thereafter until it reaches $11,600 by 2012-2013.”
The act successfully passed by a 292-97 vote Sept. 7.
House Representative Ralph Hall, however, was unavailable for comment. According to congress.org, a civil service by Capitol Advantage and Knowlegis, LLC, Rep. Hall did not support the act.
Laura Mszar, D.C. communications director for Rep. Gohmert, confirmed his endorsement for the Act.
“He supported the bill,” she said.
Campus officials had mixed responses to the increase.
Assistant Director of the Financial Aid Office, Diane Lewis, said the Pell Grant increase would cover the rise in tuition.
“The Pell increase will be absorbed by increases in tuition and fees,” she said.
She also said how high tuition fees would affect enrollment.
“Enrollment will only be affected if tuition does rise too high,” she said.
Interim Director of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Jody Todhunter, said he wasn’t so certain.
“We’re not sure how this affect enrollment,” he said. “We will have to see.”
Vice-President of Academics and Student Affairs, Dr. Mary Hendrix, believed the increase would affect the enrollment in the future.
“I believe the Pell Grant increase will have an affect on enrollment if we leverage and market our aid packages to the target populations and degree programs,” she said.
The student body varied in their thoughts of the act.
Richard Batty, a double communications and political science major from Sulphur Springs, did not know about the increase. He was excited to hear about it, though.
“No, but it’s great! It’s awesome?-?I can’t wait to get the money,” he said.
R. Winston Duvall, chemistry major from Owensboro, Ky., does not use the Pell Grant program, but he believes it’s a good program.
“I think it’s a good thing,” he said. “As long as we have programs like that, they need to be increased from time to time.”
Rep. Hall represents the people of Congressional District 4, which embodies Hunt and Titus counties, which includes Commerce.
Rep. Gohmert represents Congressional District 1, which encompasses Upshur and Smith counties.
He hopes his support will aid all Texas students.
“It is my hope that this will enable more students to attend outstanding colleges and universities such as Texas A&M Commerce and help decrease their debt from school loans,” Gohmert said.