SAC: Press Releases : 1/24/2000
Student Advisory Council to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia
John M. Fuchko, III, Chair | Timothy P. Vick, Vice-Chair
Rochell Akin, Secretary | Jerry Edwards, Treasurer (Acting)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information, contact:
Brian D. Beers, Press Secretary
Brianbeers@hotmail.com
(678) 377-2848
(770) 339-2200
"HANDS OFF HOPE!" STUDENTS APPLAUD PELL INITIATIVE BUT REJECT PROPOSED CUTS
January 24, 2000 (Atlanta) - Georgia's student leaders met Friday through Sunday in Atlanta to discuss issues of importance to students throughout Georgia, including changes to the HOPE scholarship proposed last week.
The HOPE proposal, contained in the FY2001 budget bill in the State House, would exclude from coverage certain mandatory student fees, including Athletic, Parking, and Facilities Fees which are currently covered by the HOPE scholarship. Although fees vary throughout the state, this would result in HOPE scholars being required to pay as much as $191 per semester to remain in the University System.
"This proposal would be the first in the history of HOPE to reduce benefits to students and is contrary to the original promise of a free college education for every deserving Georgia student," said John M. Fuchko, III, Chair of the Student Advisory Council to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia.
Students welcome the proposed elimination of the "Pell Offset," which prevents students who qualify for federal Pell Grants from receiving the full benefits of the HOPE scholarship, but object to any decrease in benefits for students currently receiving HOPE scholarships.
Students are currently organizing a statewide campaign to defeat any reduction in HOPE benefits, including a press conference and student rally at the State Capitol at 9:00 AM on February 28.
The Student Advisory Council to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (SAC) is the official representative body of the more than 200,000 students of the University System, consisting of the student body president or appointed delegate from each of Georgia's 34 public colleges and universities. SAC considers issues affecting students and makes recommendations to the Board of Regents, the Georgia Legislature, and the Governor.
Since its inception in 1993, the HOPE scholarship program has benefited more than 193,000 students in the University System of Georgia.