CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia students struggling to figure out how to pay for college in one of the nation’s poorest states after the botched rollout of a new federal student aid application could get help under a bill headed to Gov. Jim Justice. State lawmakers approved $83 million for higher education — including $51 million for grants to help students pay tuition — during a special session that ended Tuesday. The state’s colleges and universities have seen a 26% reduction in applications, which Republican Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo called “dramatic and devastating.” West Virginia lawmakers also voted to provide $183 million to the state agency tasked with caring for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, but not until after considerable debate about how it should be accessed and used. The special session dealing with funds supporting some of the most vulnerable groups in West Virginia, where 1 in 4 children live in poverty. Justice last month declared a state of emergency that allows students to receive state scholarships without having their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly known as FAFSA, processed by the federal government. |
Japan's SoftBank Group trims investment losses but remains in red for fiscal yearRescue effort for dozens missing in South Africa building collapse are boosted by 1 more survivorDemocrats hope abortion issue will offset doubts about Biden in MichiganU.S. student protests over IsraelIsrael marks memorial day, as Palestinians flee Rafah. Follow the latestNimmo rescues Mets off the bench on Mother's Day. Senga's rehab progressing slowlyDiamondbacks avoid a sweep with a 9Indonesia's Mount Ibu erupts, spewing thick ash and dark clouds into the skyWonder goal for Ella Toone as Manchester United wins Women's FA Cup with 4How to make a bouquet last longer this Mother's Day