Updates

Post-Election Appropriations Alert

November 14, 2016

Now that the 2016 elections are over, Members of Congress will return to Washington, D.C., to complete its legislative business for the year. This includes determining the final funding levels for TRIO as well as all other government programs, which are currently frozen under a continuing resolution ("CR") through December 9.

Currently, TRIO stands to receive an increase of anywhere from $0 (as recommended by the Senate Appropriations Committee) or $60 million (as recommended by the House Appropriations Committee). Ultimately, the final funding increase will determine the number and amount of grants awarded in the upcoming competitions for Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math-Science, Veterans Upward Bound, and McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement. It will also determine whether there is any increase in the continuation grants for Student Support Services, Talent Search, and Educational Opportunity Centers.

Just how much of an increase we receive is up to you! What should you do next?

• Write letters, e-mail, or call your current Members of Congress! This is especially important if they serve on the Appropriations Committees in the Senate or the House. Remind them of the good work that TRIO programs are doing in your community and the importance of increased funding to strengthening the programs and even increasing the number of students and families served. You can easily find contact information or send an e-mail directly to your Members of Congress using this tool on the COE website.
  
  
• Get your students, parents, and alumni involved! TRIO participants and family members often provide the greatest testimonials as to the power of TRIO! COE has sample letters on hand that TRIO students (.doc), parents (.doc), and alumni (.doc) can use as models in crafting messages to Members of Congress.
  • Have alumni who are interested in getting active in the TRIO alumni movement? Contact Fernando Cardenas at (fernando.cardenas@coenet.us).

• Congratulate newly elected Members of Congress! Even though they will not necessarily be influential in determining TRIO's funding level this year, now is a critical opportunity to begin cultivating relationships with newly elected Members of Congress. Click here to get detailed background information about the incoming legislators that will begin serving in Congress in January 2015.

Finally, as we begin to prepare for the next Administration and the beginning of the 115th Session of Congress in January, COE recommends that all advocates for first-generation, low-income students make plans to attend COE's 2017 Policy Seminar, "Now More Than Ever." This event will take place Sunday, March 19 through Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Online registration will be available via the COE website on Tuesday, November 15. As the conference theme suggests, your voice must be heard now more than ever.