Sen. Daniel Akaka is among a group of senators expressing concern about how a deal on the federal government’s debt limit might affect education.

Akaka is among 12 senators who sent a letter to President Barack Obama, urging him to reject proposals that would reduce eligibility or otherwise restrict Pell Grants, the cornerstone of the federal financial aid program. 

Pell Grants are awarded to low-income students attending college, and do not have to be paid back after graduation. Republicans have pushed for significantly cutting funding for the grants.

“These grants only cover about one-third of the cost of attending a four-year college,” the senators wrote. “Any further cuts would have devastating and unacceptable long-term consequences for students, working families, and the economy.”

U.S. Department of Education records show that more than 17,000 Hawaii students received a total of $62 million in Pell Grants in the 2009-2010 school year, which represents the most recent data available. 

Hawaii’s share of the total grant money, like its population, is relatively small: Forty-five other states and the District of Columbia received more Pell Grant money than Hawaii last year. Only Alaska, Vermont, Wyoming and Delaware received less than Hawaii.

California received the most in Pell Grants, more than $3.2 billion for 866,836 students. Hawaii grantees received an average of $3,643 while California grantees received an average of $3,718 last year. 

As the debate over spending intensifies on Capitol Hill, a group of educators is dubbing Monday “Save Pell Day,” and already spreading the word on Twitter and Facebook.