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Home News Off The Cuff Podcast OTC Inside the Beltway: Mass Layoffs at ED, Chances of a Shutdown, and the PSLF Executive Order

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OTC Inside the Beltway: Mass Layoffs at ED, Chances of a Shutdown, and the PSLF Executive Order

This week on "Off the Cuff," Beth is joined by Karen, Allie, and Hugh to dig into the Department of Education’s (ED) plan to lay off nearly 50% of its workforce and the potential impacts on student financial aid programs. The team discusses many questions raised by the action and what we’ve learned since Tuesday’s announcement. Karen and Hugh then discuss the chances of a government shutdown this weekend and provide updates on where things stand with a House-passed spending bill that could keep the government operational. The team then recaps last Friday’s executive order seeking to revise PSLF eligibility.

Speakers


Beth Maglione Interim President & CEO	Karen McCarthy Vice President	Allie Arcese Sr. Director of Strategic Communications & Engagement	Hugh Ferguson Managing Editor

This episode is brought to you by NASFAA's Certified Financial Aid Administrator^® Program.

Financial aid administrators like you work diligently to uphold the integrity of student aid programs. This certification program acknowledges your critical role in your institution’s success and enhances your professional credibility with the FAAC^® designation. Join nearly 800 esteemed colleagues and start your pathway to certification today. Check your eligibility and apply at nasfaa.org/certification.

Resources

Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
Episode Transcript (PDF)
ED Plans to Lay Off Nearly Half of Its Workforce
ED Posts Update After Trump’s PSLF Executive Order
House Passes Spending Plan, but Shutdown Threat Still Lingers for ED
Trump Directs ED to Revise PSLF Eligibility Citing Concern Over ‘Illegal’ Activities

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Publication Date: 3/14/2025