Students at the College of Mount Saint Vincent Stand Up to Save Financial Aid at Lobby Day in Albany

1/23/2009

On February 10, students from the University of Mount Saint Vincent will travel to Albany to participate in Lobby Day and join students from other private colleges to protest the government’s proposal to cut $75 million in student financial aid. They will spend the day meeting with senators and legislators to take a stand and protect much needed financial aid programs.

Private colleges will also support Governor David Patterson’s proposed new, low-cost loan program called NYHELPs (New York Higher Education Loan Program). The program would potentially help thousands of students borrow money for college at lower interest rates than private, alternative loaners are now offering.

Students at the Mount began participating in Lobby Day in 2003 when the government wanted to cut federal funding to students who could not afford college. Since then, groups of students annually travel to Albany and lobby for the government to keep financial aid for those who need it.

The economic crisis is forcing the government to redirect money elsewhere. A number of government programs are affected by the budget cuts including financial aid, libraries, healthcare, animal rights, and environmental programs. Lobby Day gives organizations and communities an opportunity to show elected officials how critical these programs are.