State politics may be dealing students a blow, but at least we are on the verge of benefiting in a big way nationally. President Bush released his 2003 federal budget Monday, and it is clear college-aged Americans are a top priority.

Pell grants, the most generous federal subsidy for needy college students and a benefit to thousand of UW students, were not so generous last year. Congress severely underfunded Pell grants, delivering only $3,600 of the $4,000 promised to most grant recipients — in other words, short a month’s rent. Not so this year. Bush is devoting $10.9 billion, an 18 percent increase over 2001, to fully fund Pell grants, enough to help over 4 million students. Even those students who do not receive Pell grants benefit from the increased diversity and exposure brought by 4 million students who could not otherwise afford college.

President Bush is also delivering on his promise to help disadvantaged black and Hispanic students. The 2003 Bush budget wants to give over $350 million to black and Hispanic institutions, in line with the White House’s goal of increasing such funding by 30 percent between 2001 and 2005.

Similarly, Bush’s focus on economic growth helps students far more than our parents. As the country’s most debt-ridden and inexperienced laborers, students are hit especially hard by recessions. With UW seniors now scrambling to find post-graduation employment, college seniors should support Bush’s $591 billion tax relief over the next decade as an investment in the economy. Making this tax relief even more appealing is the portion tied to new tax credits for tuition and for parents with children. Just as important is eliminating the estate tax, which if in place, hurts 20- and 30-year-olds far more than those nearing retirement.
Now it is Congress’s turn to go to work. From now until December, Congress will review Bush’s proposal, rewriting and reworking many programs and proposals. We hope students’ interests remain a priority.