APLU Statement on the Administration’s FY2021 Budget Proposal

Washington, DC – Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) President Peter McPherson today released the following statement in response to President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget proposal.

“The administration’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget request falls far short of the investment needed to secure the U.S.’s position as the world’s preeminent economic power. At a time when our global competitors are doubling down in investments in education and research, we can’t afford to fall behind.

“Unfortunately, the budget would slash funding for critical research accounts at agencies such as NIH, NSF, and DOE. The United States faces public health crises such as an epidemic of opioid abuse and the world is battling a global health emergency in coronavirus. This is a time to redouble investment in breakthrough medical research. We also need to increase our investments in the basic research that lays a strong foundation for innovation, job creation, and long-term economic growth.

“On education, this budget would hurt students who rely on student aid to enable access and success in higher education. For example, Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants and Federal Work Study would be eliminated and more than cut in half, respectively, under the proposal. These programs provide an essential ladder to economic opportunity for students. The proposal would significantly increase costs to students of earning a college degree, jeopardizing access and completion.

“We urge Congress to reject the administration’s proposed cuts and make broad-based federal investments that have helped propel the U.S. to its position as the world’s preeminent innovation and economic power. It did so in Fiscal Year 2020 and should do so again. The formula for U.S. success includes robust federal support for education and research. We need to invest in that formula now more than ever.”