Despite new aid from West Virginia, problems with FAFSA persist

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — State and federal leaders in West Virginia are calling on Washington to do more to fix student financial aid.

There continue to be major problems with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. There was help from the state government this week, but the federal government still needs to act.

When the West Virginia Legislature met in special session this week, it approved $83 million aimed at helping students and schools.

The money will help bolster things such as the Promise Scholarships and education grants based on need. However, that still does not solve the federal funding portion.

There was a new computerized FAFSA application procedure this year, but it’s been riddled with technical problems. FAFSA applications from West Virginia are down nearly 30%, putting students and colleges in jeopardy.

“If you’re a first-time college goer and you don’t understand it, it’s enough to have you really rethink a decision to try to further your education, which we do not want in West Virginia,” said Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, (R) West Virginia.

“I think it is hugely important. I mean there’s been some federal issues in trying to make sure FAFSA is done correctly, and there is the possibility we may not get some of that money from the federal government. So, we have to make sure we’re closing that gap, and also making sure the universities have the money they need to do their job,” said Del. Joey Garcia, (D) Marion.

On April 30, Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV) declared a state of emergency for the state’s education system. He and others are calling on the federal Department of Education to get the application process fixed soon and restore proper federal tuition aid to students and schools.

Now, of the $83 million approved by the legislature this week, $51 million will be going directly to students for tuition assistance.

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