Student lobbyists resolve to expand financial aid

Casey Armstrong
Special to the Hornet
Published November 9, 1999

The California State Student Association Board of Directors passed a resolution Oct. 31 outlining goals for the expansion of Cal Grant funding. The proposal will be presented to the State Legislature.

Student financial aid is a determining factor for enrollment into the CSU system for many low- and middle-income students.

CSSA estimates that from 1990-1998 the number of CSUS students receiving loans has increased by 400 percent and unsubsidized borrowing has increased by 800 percent since 1992.

"Student debt is reaching a crisis level. Increasing state Cal Grant funding will improve the affordability of a CSU education," said Shaun Lumachi, CSSA financial aid officer and representative.

Total Cal Grant funding has increased by 24 percent since 1990, however CSU students have not seen much of that increase. Cal Grant recipients in the CSU system have decreased by 81 awards since 1990, while the UC and independent colleges combined have increased their number of recipients by 12,400 awards.

The CSSA resolved to ensure affordability here at CSUS by stabilizing the statewide fee increase and linking Cal Grant funding to any future fee increases.

The CSSA also intends to expand scholarships and work-study opportunities for CSU students as well as supporting a $100 million increase in Cal Grant Funding for the years 2000-01.

Finally, the CSSA will lobby the state legislature to amend the distribution of student Cal Grant awards to ensure that the students in financial need are the primary recipients.

"The CSSA is aware that increasing support for financial aid is a critical issue of importance to students in the CSU system. In order to execute the resolution made by the CSSA Board of Directors, the CSSA and Sacramento State will be very visible during the next budget hearing," Lumachi said.