UPCEA Encourages Passage of FUTURE Act
UPCEA joined with other organizations in a letter to the House and Senate to express our strong support for H.R.5363, the FUTURE Act. Following our letters, both the House and the Senate passed the bill, sending it to the President’s desk for signature. This much needed legislation addresses a few important issues. First, it would restore, and make permanent, critical mandatory funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities and other Minority-Serving Institutions that had expired at the end of September, allowing those institutions to strengthen STEM education programs and build institutional capacity to better serve students. It is vital that this funding be restored immediately as campuses are already making decisions regarding staffing, facilities and programming, which are directly influenced by the availability of this support.
Beyond the benefits to historically under-resourced institutions, the FUTURE Act would make significant improvements to the federal student aid system, by simplifying and streamlining the processes for applying for student aid and repaying student loans. This will dramatically simplify the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and make it far easier for low and middle-income families to apply for and receive federal student aid. In addition, the changes proposed in the legislation will also make the process of paying for college significantly easier for students and their families. This bill would also strengthen the accuracy and effectiveness of the administration of these programs.
Finally, the bill includes additional funding for the Federal Pell Grant program, which is the cornerstone of federal student aid. These grants enable millions of low-income students to access and afford college, and we appreciate the inclusion of additional support for this valuable program.
We are appreciative that Congress has acted in a bipartisan way to pass this important, and significant legislation for the betterment of higher education in the United States.
Click here to view our letter to the House of Representatives.
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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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