News & Impact/Advocacy Update/

Congress Averts Shutdown, Levels Funding for TRIO and GEAR UP Programs in FY24

March 23, 2024 — by Owen Toomey

Because the Fiscal Responsibility Act, also known as the debt limit deal, capped federal spending at FY23 levels, the Federal TRIO Programs received level funding at $1.191 billion.

Congress averted a government shutdown by passing the final appropriations bills for FY24 over the weekend. The “minibus,” as it’s called, included the six remaining appropriations bills and accounted for nearly 75% of the federal budget. The passage of this legislation marked the end of the very long, drawn-out fight over FY24 funding almost six months into the fiscal year.

Because the Fiscal Responsibility Act, also known as the debt limit deal, capped federal spending at FY23 levels, the Federal TRIO Programs received level funding at $1.191 billion. Similarly, GEAR UP received level funding at $388 million. When combined with mandatory funding, the agreement continues to support a total maximum Pell Grant award of $7,395 for the 2024-2025 award year. Congress continued funding the Federal Work-Study program at $1.2 billion and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant program (SEOG) at $910 million.

Congress is out of session for the next two weeks, with both chambers returning on Tuesday, April 9. During that time, staff will get started on the FY25 appropriations process. In the coming months, Secretaries of executive branch agencies will come to Capitol Hill to speak about their budget requests. We are asking for a $68 million increase in FY25 to a total funding level of $1.26 billion. Our ask includes a $15 million increase to expand the number of Student Support Services programs, $5 million to support “national activities,” and an additional $48 million to provide a 4% across-the-board inflationary increase to all current programs.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our 43rd annual Policy Seminar last week! We blanketed Capitol Hill with over 400 meetings with staffers and Members of Congress. Don’t forget to follow up with the congressional offices you met with! Please thank them for their time and share electronic versions of the critical documents you handed out in meetings. You can find sample thank you letters for the House and Senate here. The letters also have links to the leave-behinds, including the ask documents, TRIO fact sheets, and other helpful information here.

If you have any questions, please contact COE Director of Congressional Affairs Owen Toomey ([email protected]).

Get in Touch

Questions? Contact COE Vice President for Public Policy Diane Shust.

Diane Shust

Vice President, Public Policy [email protected]

Owen Toomey

Director, Congressional Affairs [email protected]

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