West Virginia Lawmakers Approve $83 Million for Higher Education Amid FAFSA Delays

West Virginia students facing financial uncertainty due to delays in federal student aid processing could soon receive much-needed assistance thanks to a new bill approved by state lawmakers.

During a special session that concluded on Tuesday, legislators allocated $83 million for higher education, with $51 million specifically earmarked for grants to help students cover tuition costs. This funding comes at a critical time as colleges and universities in the state have experienced a significant 26% reduction in applications, a trend described as “dramatic and devastating” by Republican Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo.

In addition to supporting higher education, lawmakers also approved $183 million for the state agency responsible for caring for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. However, the allocation of these funds sparked considerable debate among legislators regarding how they should be accessed and utilized.

The special session, which focused on providing assistance to some of the most vulnerable populations in West Virginia, comes as the state grapples with high poverty rates, particularly among children. Governor Jim Justice recently declared a state of emergency to allow students to receive state scholarships without the need for their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be processed by the federal government.

The delays in FAFSA processing have left many students in limbo, impacting their ability to receive federal Pell Grants and make informed decisions about their college enrollment. Lawmakers have urged the federal government to expedite the processing of FAFSA applications and extended the state of emergency through at least October 15.

State Delegate Brandon Steele emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges faced by students and families, stating that it is the responsibility of lawmakers to alleviate the burden caused by the FAFSA delays.

In addition to funding for higher education and disability services, lawmakers approved allocations for road maintenance, agricultural research, food banks, and nursing costs at the state veterans’ home. Questions have also been raised about the utilization of taxpayer money within the Department of Health and Human Services, particularly regarding unspent funds designated for services for individuals with disabilities.

While the approved bill creates a new fund for agency secretaries to transfer money for provider reimbursements, it does not mandate that the funds be used for this purpose. Secretaries will be required to submit monthly reports to a legislative oversight committee detailing any transfers made from the fund.

Overall, the legislative actions taken during the special session aim to address pressing financial challenges faced by students, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations in West Virginia, signaling a commitment to supporting the state’s most underserved communities.