West Virginia Governor Calls Special Session to Address College Funding Crisis

West Virginia Governor Calls Special Session to Address College Funding Crisis

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has called state lawmakers back to the Capitol for a special session to address the ongoing federal financial aid crisis affecting students in the state. The Governor is proposing an $80 million allocation to the state’s colleges and universities to help students pay for school amid the FAFSA crisis.

The special session, set to begin at 5 p.m. on Sunday, will also consider other important proposals, including a $150 million allocation for highway maintenance and $50 million for a new state agricultural lab at West Virginia State University.

The $80 million allocation for colleges and universities aims to provide funding for students who have been affected by the delays in processing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA overhaul, which was meant to simplify the form, has caused delays in financial aid offers to students and has left many in limbo as they await decisions on their college funding.

In April, Governor Justice declared a state of emergency for education in West Virginia, allowing students to bypass the requirement that their FAFSA be processed by the federal government in order to receive state grants. This move was aimed at helping students access funding for college amid the crisis.

Governor Justice emphasized the importance of addressing the college funding crisis, stating that many students are unsure if they will be able to attend college due to the delays in financial aid processing. The state of emergency will allow students to know whether they will receive the Promise Scholarship or the needs-based Higher Education Grant, which are crucial for many students to afford college tuition.

West Virginia has the lowest number of college graduates in the nation, and the state’s high school FAFSA completion rates have been significantly impacted by the crisis. Governor Justice’s proactive measures aim to ensure that students have access to the financial aid they need to pursue higher education.

The special session will provide lawmakers with the opportunity to address the urgent needs of students and colleges in West Virginia, ensuring that students can access the funding they need to pursue their educational goals.