The federal budget overturns Pell’s grants. That’s bad for Florida

Florida leads the country of workforce education. The state is investing in career and technical education, apprenticeship programs and workforce development training targeting growth areas such as semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. 72% of Florida jobs require a degree or qualification by 2031, and our state is investing in the pathway to ensure Floridians are prepared for these jobs.

However, the proposed federal budget change could undermine our momentum by weakening one of our most important tools for workforce development: Pell Grant.

Over 446,810 Floridians used Pell Grant last year to pursue post-secondary degrees or qualifications, from recent high school graduates to adults working for new skills and career changes. A needs-based federal program, Pell Grant helps cover tuition fees in public and private institutions for low- and middle-income students. Most recipients come from families with less than $40,000 a year and offer many classes to pursue work, caregiving responsibilities and education.

On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives advanced “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a 1,000-page budget package that extended income tax cuts and made major changes to education funding. The House proposal will provide $10.5 billion infusions to strengthen the Pell Grant program, but will also put in place key eligibility restrictions that will reduce access to this critical aid for 315,294 Florida students.

The proposed eligibility changes for Houseville Block students are participating from receiving non-part-time Pergrants. If established, students must earn 30 credits per year to win a full award from the current 24. This may seem like a small change, but it is a huge hit for working parents and adult students who are unable to take the fifth class due to time or expense. For them, this is a cut of $1,500 a year.

States that are committed to growing their businesses must also invest in those who drive that growth. Each additional post-secondary graduate will generate 6.6 additional support jobs and donate approximately $150,741 to Florida’s Gross Domestic Product. We cannot afford to lift the ladders for those working adults, parents and others striving to build skills for highly paid jobs in high demand.

The Pell Grant is not just a line item, it’s a LaunchPad. Back access scaling slows down our progress and builds a capable workforce, threatening Florida’s business-friendly environment. Rather than cutting it, Congress needs to protect and strengthen Pell grants.

Braulio Colón is the executive director of the Florida College Access Network.