Student Aid Alliance campaigns for financial aid funding For Immediate Release September 1, 1999 The Student Aid Alliance is asking for help to increase government spending for student financial aid programs. The SAA, composed of 60 organizations representing students, parents, public and private colleges and concerned citizens, promotes increased federal funding for proven student aid programs. Due to budget cuts and caps in 1997, Congress has very limited resources to appropriate for education programs. Because of this, drastic cuts in student aid programs are expected. However, the SAA is calling for a $1.5 billion increase in student aid funding, rather than a decrease. "Funding for Title IV student financial aid programs, particularly the grant programs, has lagged behind inflation and student need for two years," said David L. Warren, president of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. "Congress and the President have increased funding for some key programs in the last four years, but they need to do more." Most Americans agree that financial aid should be a higher priority in the budget, according to a study done by the SAA. Eighty-seven percent of Americans said it was "very" or "somewhat" important to increase the current level of federal funding for financial aid for college students. The SAA encourages all concerned citizens to call their Congressman and express the importance of making financial aid programs a high priority. To talk to your U.S. representative, call the SAA hotline at 1-800-574-4243 or visit the website at www.StudentAidAlliance.org. -30- Archived News Releases - Current ACU News and Events If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact Tom Craig, director of media and community relations, at craigt@nicanor.acu.edu or call 915-674-2692 (cell phone: 665-5469). Last update: Sept. 1, 1999 This page is maintained by Tom Craig, craigt@nicanor.acu.edu. http://www.acu.edu/people/news/990901-saa.html