D.C. tuition aid program facing cut by federal lawmakers

“A tuition aid program that has helped thousands of D.C. residents afford college will face a substantial cut in federal dollars if a Senate panel gets its way. The Senate Appropriations Committee introduced a spending bill Monday that would cut the program’s funding by one-fourth. The federal government provides $40 million to the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant program, which gives city students — who don’t have access to a robust in-state university system — affordable college options. The Senate plan, which mirrors legislation passed by the House, would whittle appropriations for the program to $30 million, and calls on the District to make up the difference.”