January 28, 2003

Continued funding for the Graduate Psychology Education (GPE) Program looks good as Congress reaches the final phase on the FY 2003 appropriations cycle. Later this week, the Senate and House are expected to conference whereby they reach agreement on the final numbers in the appropriations bill before sending it on to the President for his signature. 

Late last week, the Senate finally completed work on the omnibus spending package, which included 11 of the 13 appropriations bills that Congress was unable to pass last year. Regarding the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education bill, the Senate had to reduce its level by $2.7 billion. However, the House was able to add $500 million to their version for a shared total of $131.4 billion. 

Significantly, the Senate appropriations report contains the following language: The Committee recognizes the need to continue the Graduate Psychology Education Program within the Bureau of Health Professions. The Committee understands that this is the only federally funded psychology training program, and for this reason, considers its continuation, a high priority. This Committee urges the administration to establish a graduate training program in geropsychology to train health service psychologists to work with older Americans, especially with underserved people.”[The House bill specified $6 million for GPE, of which $3 million would be dedicated to geropsychology training.] 

We should know the outcome by mid-February. As soon as we do, we will get the word out to everyone and begin working with the Bureau of Health Professions on the application process for FY 2003 grants.

Back to Top^