West Virginia Leaders Call on Washington to Fix Student Financial Aid Issues

State and federal leaders in West Virginia are urging Washington to take action to fix student financial aid issues. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has been plagued with technical problems, leading to a nearly 30% decrease in applications from West Virginia students. This has put students and colleges at risk, prompting the state government to approve $83 million to help bolster programs like Promise Scholarships and education grants based on need.

However, the federal government still needs to step in to address the ongoing FAFSA issues. Senators have grilled Education Secretary over the botched FAFSA roll out, calling it ‘inexcusable’. Governor Jim Justice has even declared a state of emergency for the education system in West Virginia, emphasizing the importance of fixing the application process and restoring proper federal tuition aid to students and schools.

Of the $83 million approved by the legislature, $51 million will directly go to students for tuition assistance. State officials are emphasizing the urgency of resolving the FAFSA problems to ensure that students have access to the financial aid they need to further their education. The pressure is on Washington to act swiftly and effectively to address these critical issues.