WASHINGTON—This week, the House Committee on Appropriations voted to advance the Fiscal Year 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson supported this advancement and fought for critical Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) wins in the measure.

“Idaho’s TRIO programs have a longstanding record of supporting first-generation college students across the state every year,” said Rep. Simpson. “I have been a longtime supporter of TRIO and have seen firsthand how these programs help Idaho students pursue their dreams. I was proud to fight for language that protects TRIO’s core mission and ensure this program receives the necessary funding to continue its important work.” 

“For more than 60 years, TRIO programs have helped millions of Americans prepare for, enroll in, and complete higher education. The action taken today by the House Appropriations Committee reinforces the congressional commitment to ensuring that the doors of educational opportunity remain open for our nation's low-income, first-generation students,” said Council for Opportunity in Education President Kimberly Jones.

“We, the TRIO professional community, are grateful for Representative Simpson fighting for TRIO. Right now, more than 8,800 low-income Idahoans who are the first in their families to attend college are gaining the skills they need to enter the workforce, build careers, and make Idaho one of the best states to live and work in. That is what's possible when we invest in people — and that is exactly what's at stake if we stop,” said NAEOP Past-President Dr. Megan Simila.

“TRIO is a vehicle for advancement to any individual seeking higher education. I have worked with adults from all backgrounds, and each has a common desire: to gain more education and training and to improve their lives.  We work with individuals to discover programs of study, apply for funding, navigate processes, and motivate them to continue forward through their educational journey.  Their stories build on the idea that we can all learn and grow at any stage of our lives,” said Idaho State University TRIO Advisor Emily Wunderlich.

Highlights of TRIO Wins include:

·         Provides $1,197,000,000 for the Federal TRIO programs, a $6 million increase above the enacted level.

·         Protects TRIO's core mission by requiring the Department of Education to run the programs according to prior practice.

·         Includes language that highlights the longstanding, bipartisan Congressional support for TRIO.

·         Includes language that highlights support for smaller programs, especially those operating in rural areas.

This funding package will now go to the full floor of the House of Representatives for further consideration.