ROB PETER TO PAY PELL - Low-Income Student Loan Program Questioned

(01/18/2005)
The Bush administration has kept Pell Grants frozen for three years, creating problems for tens-of-thousands of lower-income college students who use the funding source to attend college.

Robert Morgenstern, the head of the West Virginia Higher Education Commission, says it is creating problems for some students in the state.

President Bush announced last week he will be shaving the 40-year-old program, but he wants Congress to cover a $4.3 billion deficit.

Bush says he believes the program will be better than ever.

Some education officials have expressed concern that lenders are going to back away from Pell loans.

Rep. George Miller (Dem) said he is skeptical in how the money is being juggled. "If the president's plan would rob Peter to pay Pell, it would be unacceptable," he said.

Education officials said it remains to be seen how well Pell Grants remain in place to help low-income students.