Push for a significant Pell increase in the annual appropriations process (or a multi-year reconciliation bill if available).
Win a meaningful Pell increase through the annual appropriations process, using the recent FY2023 and FY2024 bumps as proof the pathway works. Build a bipartisan appropriator strategy and push for inclusion in must-pass funding vehicles when possible. This matters now because the current maximum award leaves large gaps for students, and incremental action can compound into the at-least-10% increase this cause targets.
Why this works
- Appropriations can enact immediate increases; already, FY2023 and FY2024 saw small Pell bumps, so continuing that trend with bipartisan appropriators could yield wins.
National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare
AdvocacyProtecting and enhancing retirement and health security for seniors
Mechanism
About LobbyingHow National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare uses funding
- Identify appropriations committees and negotiators who have supported recent Pell bumps
- Align coalition partners on a clear increase ask consistent with this cause’s win criteria
- Provide budget analysis and messaging on affordability and the gap students face
- Lobby for inclusion in annual appropriations language or reconciliation vehicles when available
- Run rapid-response during negotiations to prevent proposed cuts from becoming final
- Mobilize endorsements and public pressure timed to appropriations milestones
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Align the appropriations ask and coalition
Near-termCoalition agrees on a clear increase target and messaging for appropriators
- 2
Secure appropriator champions
Near-termKey negotiators signal support for increasing the maximum award
- 3
Include Pell increase in draft language
Mid-termDraft appropriations text reflects a larger Pell increase
- 4
Defend the increase through negotiations
Mid-termProposed cuts are removed and the increase survives conference negotiations
- 5
Enact funding and update guidance
Longer-termSigned appropriations translate into updated Pell award guidance

