Sen. Slap Responds to Trump Cutting College Preparation Program for Low-Income Students

Today, State Senator Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee responded to news that the Trump administration has fired nearly all Education Department staff who work on a college-preparation program for low-income students amid the government shutdown.

The federal TRIO program supports 900,000 low-income students in all 50 states to prepare for college and the program has seen bipartisan support in Congress. There are 25 TRIO programs in Connecticut that currently support nearly 6,000 students from low-income families, first-generation college students and students with disabilities.

“I am outraged by news that the Trump administration is taking yet another step to make college less accessible for students across the country, including those in Connecticut,” said Sen. Slap. “This program has historically enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress as it opens doors for students who are underrepresented in higher education. I cannot understand the logic behind this decision and while we will certainly be exploring how Connecticut can support these students in the next legislative session, the state will not be able to replace the ever growing funding gaps being handed to us by the federal government.”