By JULIE MILLER

Staff Writer

Almost four months late, Congress passed the 2004 fiscal-year budget with a vote of 65 to 28. Two weeks ago, it was decided that $820 billion would be distributed in various areas, including funding for research facilities and student financial aid.

Despite the tradition of increasing the maximum Pell Grant amount each year, Congress decided instead to maintain the current maximum amount at $4,050.

"We always like to see an increase, but I'm sure they're doing it because of the economy," Beverly Johnson, an associate director of student financial aid, said.

Pell Grants are free federal funds given to students based on financial need and do not have to be repaid.

Tech has about 2,500 Pell Grant recipients who together collect about $6,856,000 a year, Johnson said.

"We like the fact that they increase the Pell Grant, because it is money students don't have to borrow," she said, adding that about 14 percent of students are aided in grant money over loans and scholarships.

"They have been increasing [the maximum amount] less and less, but it is up significantly more than it was before."

Johnson said in 2001, the maximum amount was $3,750, making it $300 less than the current level.

The budget plan also eliminates the U.S. Education Department proposal of changing the formula that determines the eligibility for student financial aid.

According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, 84,000 students would have lost Pell Grant eligibility if the change would have been approved.

Truett Sanchez, a senior civil engineering major, has received Pell Grants for three years and said the federal money has helped him through college.

"It is money well-spent for people who need it," Sanchez said. "[The government's] contribution helps out a lot."

Sanchez said he thinks the denied increase this year will not affect many people just yet.

"Colleges usually find a way to keep people in college either by loans or scholarships," Sanchez said.

Brad Russell, a sophomore political science major, said he agreed with Sanchez but said he hopes future budgets will be more influenced by students.

"We need to continue to push representatives to further increase funds that give aid to students," Russell said. "It's really important."