This week in legislation...

Week of May 9

·       This week, both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate are in session for legislative business. However, neither chamber is expected to consider student financial aid-related legislation.

·       Today is the deadline for interested parties to submit a competitive bid under Phase I of the U.S. Department of Education’s solicitation to acquire a single servicing solution to be utilized by multiple customer service providers to support the management of Title IV and Title VII financial aid, post loan, and grant disbursement. The scope of the potential contract includes, but is not limited to: loan servicing, loan discharge, loan consolidation, financial reporting, default management, and default collections.

·       Today at 10:45 a.m. PDT, Education Secretary John King, Jr. participates in a roundtable discussion on criminal justice reform efforts, especially as they relate to college campuses, at the University of California Los Angeles. The Secretary is expected to highlight the Second Chance Pell Pilot program to test new models to allow incarcerated Americans to receive Pell Grants and pursue postsecondary education and training with the goal of helping them get jobs, support their families, and turn their lives around. Participants in the event include: The Honorable Eric Garcetti, Mayor, City of Los Angeles; James Anderson, Student, University of California Los Angeles, and Community and Member Relations Manager, Anti-Recidivism Coalition; Vivian Nixon, Executive Director, College and Community Fellowship; and David Rattray, Executive Vice President, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.

·       Today at 1:00 p.m., Academic Impressions hosts a webcast titled, “Prior-Prior Year (PPY): Preparing Your Institution.” Participants will learn how financial aid offices and enrollment management leaders are planning for the changes that PPY will bring to campuses, including dates and deadlines, financial aid communication, staffing and workflows, and recruitment and yield. Speakers include: W. Kent Barnds, Vice President of Enrollment, Communication, and Planning, Augustana College; and Brent Shock, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Director of Student Financial Services, Miami University. To register, click here.

·       On Tuesday at 3:00 p.m., the Senate Career and Technical Education Caucus and the Alliance for Excellent Education host an event titled, “Career Pathways: Exploring the Partnership Pipeline.” The briefing will examine the partnerships that are essential to transform the high school experience to ensure that all students are thoroughly prepared for both college and career upon graduation. Panelists include: Dr. Scott Ralls, President, Northern Virginia Community College; Dr. John Snavely, Superintendent, Porterville Unified School District; Randy Wallace, Executive Director, INNOVATE Tulare-Kings; Alexandra “Lexie” Williamson, Student, Pasadena City College; and Dr. Monica Almond, Senior Policy Associate, Alliance for Excellent Education.

·       On Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) hosts a discussion and debate titled, “Postsecondary Education Financing Forum.” During the NASFAA event, speakers will address the issue of why college costs so much, what can be done to reduce indebtedness and simplify repayment, and more. Opening remarks will be provided by former Under Secretary of Education Martha Kanter. To watch the live webcast, visit the NASFAA website.

·       On Thursday at 10:00 a.m., the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax Policy holds a hearing on member proposals for improvements to the U.S. tax system.

·       On Friday at 6:00 p.m., Education Secretary John King, Jr. delivers the commencement address at Milwaukee Area Technical College in Milwaukee, WI, where he will speak to graduates and their families about the importance of service and giving back to the community.

·       On Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Dr. Jill Biden, Second Lady of the United States, delivers the commencement address at Northern Virginia Community College in Bristow, VA.

This information is shared by SASFAA's Legislative Affairs' Committee and NCHER.