WMUR: Ayotte says she’s continuing to reach out to education secretary over grant cuts
By Adam Sexton
Political Director
MANCHESTER, N.H. — With just days to go until funding is eliminated, Gov. Kelly Ayotte is being pressed by community leaders over the loss of federal grants that help low-income students get into college.
The U.S. Department of Education is poised to abruptly cut off millions of dollars in grant funding at the end of the month for the TRIO and GEAR UP programs, which are helping more than 1,000 low-income students in New Hampshire get into college and be successful there.
Ayotte was asked about the funding cuts as she gave her first address as governor to the New England Council. She said she has been trying to bring the issue up personally with the secretary of education.
“We are reaching out, not only by letter but by call, reaching out to the secretary to say, ‘What can we do?'” Ayotte said.
A formal appeals process is also underway as educators push back against federal officials who assert that program outreach to minority communities might have violated civil rights law.
“Really, we’re here to help everybody,” said Adam Howard, of the Talent Search program, one of eight TRIO programs. “We’re an economic opportunity program.”
Ayotte said she’s not going to give up on getting the funding restored.
“I will obviously keep everyone updated once we have direct contact with the secretary,” she said. “But we’ve reached out, and I’ve no doubt I will (hear from her). I know her.”