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