Gregoire’s budget proposals may put an end to Husky Promise: Low-income students at risk of losing financial support

By Christina Lorella

On Oct. 27, Gov. Chris Gregoire proposed an additional 15 percent cut to the state’s budget for higher education, which will continue to limit funding for low-income students. This decision was made in an effort to fill the state’s $2 billion shortfall. If approved, the decision will eliminate the State Need Grant, Washington’s largest financial aid program, which currently provides funding for 70,000 low-income students.

In addition to this $166 million cut, Gregoire proposed cutting Work Study programs by $8 million, which will limit funding for an additional 7,600 students.

“Over the past three years, state funding for the University of Washington has been cut in half,” said UW President, Michael K. Young.

“Possible elimination of the State Need Grant program threatens the continuation of our ‘Husky Promise’ program that allows our lowest income students to pay no tuition to attend the University of Washington. Without this program, these students will lose the opportunity to get their college degree.”

This budget cut would result in a loss of two-thirds of the public funding within the past three years, forcing UW campuses to seek out-of-state students to help fill the financial gap. “Adding these [cuts] would impact our ability to keep the doors open for the citizens of Washington,” Young said.

Freddie Hensen, president of the Associated Students of UW Bothell, referred to the proposed cuts as “dire,” stating, “We are the closest public institution to privatization in the entire country.”

The proposed cuts also include a 50 percent reduction of the levies intended to provide equal education for students in poor school districts, a reduction in the required length of supervision for sex offenders and the elimination of the Basic Health Plan, which provides subsidized healthcare for 35, 000 low-income individuals.

“These choices were made out of necessity due to a drop in consumer confidence brought on by actions on Wall Street, inaction by Congress and the European debt crisis,” Gregoire said.

“These budget alternatives will impact real people. They’re all around us. They’re in our neighborhoods, on our streets, in our schools – and they have needs the state will no longer be able to meet. The list of options I’ve presented hurts.”

If you are interested in getting involved, students from all three UW campuses will head to Olympia on Nov. 28, to voice their opinions. More information about these events will be provided at a later date.

You may also express your thoughts on the issue by contacting your local representative  or by emailing Gov. Chris Gregoire  directly.