Given the significant reductions in certain state financial aid programs in recent years, the Task Force recommends that the state immediately appropriate $10 million for additional need-based financial aid with $7 million for students attending public higher education institutions and $3 million for Gilbert Grants for students attending private higher education institutions.

The Task Force recommends that the Commonwealth appropriate $6 million to establish a new grant program for the part time or non-degree student who takes less than six credits per semester and is currently ineligible for existing state and federal financial aid programs because of federal needs analysis formulas followed by all existing programs.

Appropriate $8 million to establish a loan reduction program for persons who have completed certificate or degree programs for occupations that have high demand and low pay as determined by the BHE.

Establish a new public higher education license plate with the Registry of Motor Vehicles in order to promote and enhance public higher education in the Commonwealth. Each license plate would be specifically tailored to each state institution. Any profit achieved through the sale of these license plates will be used for scholarships and grants to
students in MA public higher education institutions and not specifically for each public higher institution.