Westminster Students and Faculty Send Letters to Congress Regarding Tax Policies for Grad Students

Westminster College students and faculty were given a chance to express their concerns regarding proposed changes to how graduate students may pay taxes. The version of the tax bill that was recently passed by the House of Representatives would significantly increase the tax burden on many graduate students. RESPAC, Westminster College's professional advisory committee for students interested in research and graduate school, organized a letter writing campaign for students and faculty members last week. The committee plans to send the letters to each participants’ respective hometown representatives.

"We felt it was important to raise awareness of this issue, since it could so strongly impact our undergraduates who have hopes of attending graduate school," RESPAC member and assistant professor of neuroscience Dr. Deanne Buffalari said. " I'd hate to see any of our students miss out on such an amazing opportunity due to their economic circumstances. It was great to see students get involved [with the writing campaign]."

Senior psychology major Katie Shaw was eager to write her letter because her long-term goal is to attend graduate school for occupational therapy.

“I have put in a lot of time and hard work to prepare for these plans,” Shaw said. “As graduation is fast approaching and I am beginning to apply to graduate schools, I would hate for these tax changes to prevent me from achieving my dreams."

The writing campaign produced nearly 100 letters that will be sent representatives.

For more information, contact Buffalari at buffald@westminster.edu or 724-946-7358.

More Stories