1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I'm writing to urge you to make the Federal Pell Grant Program a top priority. While the maximum award of $7,395 is set for the 2026–2027 academic year, we are facing a looming structural deficit for the 2027–2028 cycle. This projected shortfall is a result of the successful expansion of eligibility through FAFSA simplification. More students than ever are qualifying for the support they need to access higher education; however, the program’s funding must now be adjusted to meet this increased demand. If Congress fails to address this shortfall by increasing mandatory spending, the consequences for students in our district will be severe. Without a dedicated funding increase, the Department of Education may be forced to: Reduce the maximum grant amount, placing a heavier financial burden on low-income families Restrict eligibility rules, effectively pulling the ladder up for students who were only recently granted access to these funds The President has already signaled that these reductions are a real possibility if the gap is not bridged. We cannot allow the progress made in FAFSA simplification to be reversed by a lack of fiscal commitment. Pell Grants are the cornerstone of college affordability, providing millions of students with the opportunity to contribute to our economy and workforce. I respectfully request that you include Pell Grant funding on your shortlist of priority requests to the Appropriations Committee. It is vital that we maintain the maximum award levels and ensure that every eligible student receives the full support they have been promised. Thank you for your time and for your commitment to the future of our students.