Rep. Edwards testifies in support of his Education Plan
Rep. Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville)
COLUMBUS, Ohio – State Representative Jay Edwards has testified before an Ohio House committee in support of his plan to increase needs-based higher education grants.
Edwards’ proposal, House Bill 750, would increase funding for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) program by $5 million for the current school year. He introduced the bill after learning the grant program’s reserve fund had a surplus.
“This is a reasonable proposal that will provide additional grant funding for students,” Edwards said.
The additional funding would be approximately a five percent increase for the program. Grant amounts would continue to be determined by the state’s chancellor of higher education, as is the case under current law.
The OCOG program provides grants to Ohio residents who demonstrate the highest levels of financial need, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as FAFSA.
Grant awards are based on the cost of attendance, as determined by the chancellor, after a student’s Expected Family Contribution and federal Pell grant are applied to the student’s instructional and general charges.
“There are many steps we need to take to improve college affordability, and one of those is increasing Ohio’s investment in needs-based funding,” Edwards said. “This legislation is action the legislature can take now to help students in this current school year.”
