APLU Statement on President Biden’s Budget Proposal

Washington, DC – Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) President Peter McPherson today released the following statement regarding President Biden’s budget proposal.

“President Biden’s FY2022 budget request calls for critical investments that would open doors of opportunity for millions of American students. It would also empower researchers to achieve pathbreaking discoveries at a time when a global pandemic has highlighted the critical need for investment in the federal scientific enterprise.

“We appreciate the administration’s proposal to increase the maximum Pell grant award by $400 as part of its commitment to doubling the maximum grant, which would increase college access, equity, and completion. We hope to see the doubling of the maximum Pell award in the administration’s forthcoming addition to the American Jobs Plan as well as its request for mandatory spending in the budget request. APLU also supports extending Pell eligibility to undocumented students as proposed in the budget request. Additionally, increasing investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other Minority Serving Institutions would help deliver the diverse and highly educated workforce that’s necessary to ensure U.S. economic leadership for decades to come.

“The request’s proposed historic increases in federal research agencies such as including the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Energy, the National Institutes of Health, and the United States Department of Agriculture would turbocharge discovery and innovation. Federal research investment is the lifeblood of American innovation and the administration’s proposal would ensure the U.S. is positioned to lead in critical areas such as health, climate, and manufacturing.

“We thank the administration for its substantial proposed increases in education and research investment. As the budget process continues, we look forward to working with the administration and lawmakers to enact broad-based investments in education and science that are key to achieving a healthy and prosperous society.”