Policy Matters | Sen. Alexander wants to pass scaled-back HEA (September 2019)
Welcome to the fourth installment in our monthly public policy primer, Policy Matters. Each issue has the latest updates and actionable items in public policy for adult and nontraditional education stakeholders.
- Senator Alexander Announces Intent to Pass Scaled-Back Higher Education Act Reauthorization
Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) stated he wants to attempt to update broad-based higher education policy by producing a scaled-back version of the Higher Education Act (HEA) by the end of the month. As the chairman of the Senate committee which oversees education, he recently responded to House passage of an HBCU and minority-serving institutions funding bill this week, the FUTURE Act (UPCEA also advocated for its passage). The House-passed bill renews funding that would expire on September 30th. Alexander said he would like to bundle that bill up with other topics like FAFSA simplification, expanded Pell Grants for incarcerated students and those who are in short-term programs, among other items in HEA Reauthorization. Many believe that his Democratic colleagues in the Senate and House would not wish to pass a scaled-back version of the HEA. - New Mexico Announces Plan for Free College for State Residents
“In one of the boldest state-led efforts to expand access to higher education, New Mexico is unveiling a plan Wednesday [September 18] to make tuition at its public colleges and universities free for all state residents, regardless of family income….The program, which is expected to be formally announced by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday and still requires legislative approval, would apply to all 29 of the state’s two- and four-year public institutions. Long one of the poorest states in the country, New Mexico plans to use climbing revenues from oil production to pay for much of the costs.” – Simon Romero and Dana Goldstein, NY Times 8/18/2019
- Today’s Students Coalition Launches with Student Panel on Capitol Hill
Thursday, 9/26 @ 4PM ET — Today’s Students are more diverse in age, race, and income than any previous generation. The Today’s Students Coalition, of which UPCEA is a member, advocates for postsecondary policies that support their success. This event will highlight student voices and experiences alongside actionable policy information and ideas to work toward robust student supports, modern student financial aid, and connected learning opportunities. Is federal policy working for today’s students? As members of Congress continue their work to reauthorize the nation’s postsecondary education policies, this event will feature a student panel to provide expertise and insight into today’s students and the policy barriers they face this Thursday September 26 at 4PM ET. An all-student panel will better inform the audience of examples and understanding of hurdles overcome by today’s students. Join in-person, or watch via Facebook Live on the Today’s Students Coalition page.
- US Department of Education Levies Largest-Ever Clery Fine Against Michigan State University, Requires Major Corrective Action Following Systemic Failure to Address Sexual Abuse – US Department of Education
- Universities Face Federal Crackdown Over Foreign Financial Influence – The New York Times
- Feds to Cancel Debt of Thousands of ITT Students – Inside Higher Ed
We’d like your input! Like this format? Submit comments, or ideas for topics of inclusion in this newsletter. For more information on UPCEA government affairs, contact Jordan DiMaggio ([email protected]).
Policy Matters: Primers and Insights
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UPCEA is a proud founding and steering committee member of the Today's Students Coalition.
UPCEA Policy Committee
Kristen Brown, University of Louisville, Chair
Bridget Beville, University of Phoenix
Corina Caraccioli, Loyola University New Orleans
Abram Hedtke, St. Cloud State University
George Irvine, University of Delaware
Craig Wilson, University of Arizona
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