In an April 15 letter signed by Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chair Judd Gregg and Ranking Member Edward Kennedy, lawmakers beseeched all "friends of higher education" to submit policy statements on how to proceed in renewing the Higher Education Act, the massive legislation which authorizes the vast majority of postsecondary education programs.
While any suggestions on how to improve higher education programs through the reauthorization process are welcome, lawmakers particularly encourage proposals that would:
- expand access to postsecondary education;
- address the issue of college costs and affordability;
- ensure accountability with respect to both the use of taxpayer dollars and the quality of the education provided;
- improve our nation’s teacher training programs;
- promote quality educational opportunities;
- simplify the student financial aid process; and
- promote student academic preparation for postsecondary education.
NASFAA President Dallas Martin stated, "We are pleased that Chairman Gregg and Senator Kennedy are looking to the higher education community for ideas and policy proposals as we move into reauthorization, and we look forward to sharing our recommendations with the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee."
In the letter, the Senators encouraged submissions that provide "detailed policy proposals (including proposed statutory language) and necessary background information."
"Working hand-in-hand, policymakers and higher education leaders will be able to make important, lasting changes that will eventually help students go to college who might otherwise be shut out of higher education," Martin added.
All proposals are to be sent to higheredreauth@labor.senate.gov by May 23, 2003 for consideration. Questions should be directed to Tracy Locklin with the Majority Staff or Jane Oates with the Minority Staff.
By Elizabeth B. Guerard
NASFAA Assistant Director of Communications
Posted April 17, 2003 on
www.NASFAA.org, the Web Site of the
National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).
Copyright 2003. Redistribution to non-NASFAA institutions is prohibited
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