 |
 |
     |
| NEC › Issues › Education & Workforce › Higher Education Act | ||
|
|
Higher Education Act (HEA)The Higher Education Act was originally due to be reauthorized in 2003, but Congress, due to budget shortfalls, took advantage of the automatic one-year extension under the General Education Provisions Act. This year, however, has not yet yielded new legislation. The HEA authorizes the federal government student aid programs, including the Pell Grant, FFEL/DL, Work Study and Perkins Loan programs. In addition, the HEA authorizes programs to help students finish high school, teacher training initiatives, and aid to strengthen institutions. Some of the issues that Congress has been examining during the reauthorization process include: the rising costs of college, federal tax benefits, standards and accountability as measured by educational outcomes, distance education, teacher quality and quantity, and funding levels for student loan and Pell Grant programs. Congress has also been taking a close look at whether the HEA’s student aid programs have made post-secondary education more accessible. The Council will continue to monitor the progress of this legislation. It is important that the Higher Education reauthorization bill takes steps to improve the accessibility and affordability of higher education in the region. Advocacy:
|
|
