03.22.18

Hoeven Secures Provision in FY18 Funding Bill to Preserve Pell Grant Eligibility for Students at UTTC

Senator Worked with School, Others to Include Exemption for UTTC & Similar Institutions

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced that he secured a provision in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 funding legislation to preserve Pell Grant eligibility for students attending United Tribes Technical College (UTTC). This is the result of Hoeven’s close work with UTTC on the issue, including a call he made to the Department of Education (ED) Secretary and a letter to ED that he co-authored with Senator Heidi Heitkamp. Following this, Hoeven worked with Senator Roy Blunt, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Education, several Senate committees and Representative Kevin Cramer to include a legislative solution in the annual appropriations package.

“United Tribes provides vital services not only to Native American students, but to tribal communities across our state,” said Hoeven. “Pell Grants help students from all backgrounds, including tribal members, to pursue higher education and secure the skills and knowledge they need to build a career and grow their local economies. Preserving United Tribes’ eligibility for this program means the college can continue in this important mission, helping to provide a stronger future for North Dakota’s tribes.” 

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