High level officials in the White House today have confirmed that the President’s budget, to be released on February 7, will propose to terminate the Talent Search and Upward Bound programs at the end of the 2005-2006 school year. These cuts totaling $460 million will then be used to fund the President’s new high school initiative – an extension of No Child Left Behind.

Our response to this outrage must be certain and deliberate to assure that both Republicans and Democrats reject this proposal in both the House and the Senate. However, to prepare for what will surely be a long fight, I would ask that you immediately do the following. If we do so, the entire TRIO community will be prepared to react immediately when the President’s budget is released on February 7.

Immediate Tasks

•Notify your President or Chief Executive Officer of this problem.
•Identify outstanding alumni of your program who would be willing to speak on its behalf. Ask each alumn to provide you a one paragraph statement about his/her background and what TRIO programs have done for him/her.
•Identify three or four of your most successful students who will be able to explain the Program’s benefit to them. Make sure that you communicate with these students’ parents about what you are asking these students to do.
• Identify local leaders, especially business people, clergy, parents, teachers, and leaders of civic organizations, who are willing to advocate on behalf of TRIO either locally or in Washington.

Al Phillips and Nicole Norfles are ready to answer your questions and assist you. They can be reached at 202-347-7430 or Alvin.Phillips@coenet.us and Nicole.Norfles@coenet.us.

Sincerely,


Arnold L. Mitchem President