Financial aid state-wide focus for legislators

Each institution of higher education in Utah is coming together in one united cause during this year’s legislative session.

At least that’s what members of the Utah Student Association hope students will do to support an initiative that would provide additional ongoing financial aid at all higher education institutions throughout the state.

USA Lobbyist Taylor Morgan and USA Executive Director Carrie Flamm introduced the idea to members of the ASUSU Executive Council on Tuesday asking for their support.

“If you have a united voice, then your message resonates to all legislators,” Flamm said.

USA, which includes student body presidents from 12 public and private universities and colleges throughout the state, is asking for an additional $1.4 million in ongoing funds for the Utah Centennial Opportunity Program for Education (UCOPE).

It is a state-funded, need-based grant and work-study financial aid program aimed at helping resident undergraduate students pay for their schooling.

Currently, the average amount of financial aid money given to a student outside of Utah is about $350. The average student in Utah only receives about $20, Morgan said.

“Lawmakers say that Utah in general is a low-tuition state, but now Utah is becoming a moderate tuition state,” Morgan said. “Compared with other universities in the Western states, Utah is far below in financial aid for students.”

Because of this problem, many students are being priced out of a college education, Flamm said.

“[Financial aid] is eroding as tuition costs continue to increase,” she said.

Since this initiative has taken shape, the State Board of Regents has been in support of it and will include the request in its budget request for the next legislative session in the spring.

“We would hope this would be your first priority,” Morgan said to members of the Executive Council.

This year’s initiative is entitled “Invest in Student Success,” and if passed, it would eventually bring Utah up to the national average in terms of financial aid, Quinn Millet, ASUSU president, said.

For more information about the initiative or to find out ways to get involved, students can contact Millet at 797-1723.

-mmackay@cc.usu.edu