CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia students struggling to figure out how to pay for college in one of the nation’s poorest states after the botched rollout of a new federal student aid application could get help under a bill headed to Gov. Jim Justice.
State lawmakers approved $83 million for higher education — including $51 million for grants to help students pay tuition — during a special session that ended Tuesday.
The state’s colleges and universities have seen a 26% reduction in applications, which Republican Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo called “dramatic and devastating.”
West Virginia lawmakers also voted to provide $183 million to the state agency tasked with caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but not until after considerable debate about how it should be accessed and used.
The special session dealing with funds supporting some of the most vulnerable groups in West Virginia, where 1 in 4 children live in poverty. Justice last month declared a state of emergency that allows students to receive state scholarships without having their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA, processed by the federal government.
Brazilian coach Sylvinho sworn in as Albanian citizen ahead of Euro 2024
World Court orders Israel to halt Gaza famine; Hamas says ceasefire needed
Small earthquake felt in Wellington region
Emma Hayes' first roster as coach of the US women's team includes 2 first
Harris blames Trump for abortion ban in Arizona
Central Auckland jewellers robbed in ram raid
Explosion at Papatoetoe industrial site
Tigers starter Olson leaves game against Royals after being struck by line drive
Watch: Christopher Luxon faces questions at post
Receiver Tank Dell practices with Texans less than a month after being wounded in shooting
Christopher Luxon arrives in Wellington ahead of potential coalition announcement