Advocate Online

From Capitol to Campus

As Congress prepares to revisit the Higher Education Act of 1965, which governs the federal government’s major student aid programs as well as other significant initiatives, and which Congress must reauthorize during the 108th Congress, Republican lawmakers and administration officials are throwing out new ideas that could have a major impact on the nation’s campuses.

Proposals to withhold federal funds from institutions that raise tuition beyond a certain level, require minimum graduation rates, and institute testing methods in ways similar to what the Elementary and Secondary Education Act requires for primary students are some of the ideas that are circulating.

Unlike the House, which is planning a series of bills addressing higher ed issues, the Senate is expected to address the Higher Education Act programs in one comprehensive piece of legislation most likely early next year.

NEA supports reauthorization of the Higher Education Act in a manner that addresses issues of access to adequate financial aid, equality of access to postsecondary education, and support for high-quality teacher preparation programs, and that focuses on the benefits to the economy and society of a strong system of two- and four-year degree-granting institutions.

Specifically, NEA recommends full funding of all federal financial assistance programs, including increasing Pell Grant maximum awards by $500 to $4,550 this year, and the reauthorization of programs like TRIO and Gear-Up that expand access.

NEA members can keep up with the latest developments on the reauthorization process on the NEA Higher Ed Web site www.nea.org/he.