Legislative Action 

Welcome to NACAC Government Relations. From here you can use NACAC's Legislative Action Center, research education-related legislation at the state level, read about NACAC's policy recommendations, and learn more about policy and advocacy issues of interest to NACAC members. NACAC works year-round in concert with like-minded association to advance the policy goals of NACAC members, which focus on improving college access for all students. For more information, contact NACAC staff at legislative@nacacnet.org.

 Latest News
President Presents Plan for College Affordability
Key provisions include reforming campus-based aid, creating competitive grant programs to spur change and mandating a standardized College Scorecard.
Developments in Financial Aid Award Letter Standardization
Executive branch officials join in the movement to standardize the financial aid award letters that are sent to students every year.
Department Collects Promising Practices for Increasing Completion
Department of Education issues a Request for Information regarding promising and practical strategies to increase postsecondary success.
Hearing on Innovations in College Affordability Held
Senators emphasize the importance of postsecondary education but fear rising college costs are shutting students out.
Senator Introduces Bill to Protect Veterans from Aggressive Recruiting
Senator Durbin introduces legislation to strengthen the federal 90/10 rule.
President Obama Lays Out Education Priorities in State of the Union Address
Proposals include strenghtening K-12 education, keeping college affordable and passing the DREAM Act.
FAFSA Completion Project Expanded
Department of Education will expand its FAFSA Completion Project to an additional 92 school districts.
Department of Education Seeks Comments on Draft Strategic Plan
Department’s goals include increasing college access and ensuring all students graduate from high school college- and career-ready.
Department of Education Releases Updated Expected Family Contribution Formula Guide
Department re-releases EFC Guide to reflect changes made under the Consolidated Appropriations Act
Comparison of Three Types of Default Rate Published
Department of Education publishes two-year cohort default rates, budget lifetime default rates and cumulative lifetime default rates together in one document.
Legislation Introduced to Support School Counselors in Low-Income Schools
Bill would provide grants to encourage the recruitment and retention of school counselors, social workers and psychologists by low-income schools.
Appropriations Act Conference Report Highlights Importance of School Climate
Confrees direct grant recipients to address factors that affect student achievement outside of the classroom
CFPB Director Appointed
President Obama appoints Richard Cordray to direct the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Major Developments in the Reauthorization of ESEA
House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman introduces ESEA reauthroziation proposal while the CBO estimates the cost of the Senate proposal
College Net Price Calculator Student Video Contest Begins
Department of Education asks high school and college students to produce short videos highlighting the value of the net price calculator; $1,500 cash prize for the top three contestants.
FY 2012 Negotiations Protect Maximum Pell Grant
Maximum Pell Grant award of $5,550 protected in weekend and late-night negotiations between House and Senate lawmakers.
CFPB Director Position Remains Unfilled
Senate votes against consideration of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director nomination.
Federal Departments Issue New Guidance on the Use of Race in Admission
Departments of Justice and Education provide guidance for colleges seeking to increase racial diversity.
Executive and Legislative Discussions on College Costs
Secretary Arne Duncan and the House Education and the Workforce Committee urge colleges to think creatively about cost solutions.
Senators Propose Student Protections for Veterans
Senators offer amendments that would provide veterans and active duty servicemembers with important information during the college exploration process.
Education Funding: FY 2012 and Failure of the SuperCommittee
President Obama signs the second CR for FY 2012 as Deficit Reduction Committee dismantles.
CFPB Seeks Comments on Private Student Loans
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau seeks input on private students loans from students, families, and colleges.
NACAC Notes Critical Role of Counselors in Letter to Congressional Leaders
NACAC, ASCA, College Board, and others contact House and Senate education committee leaders noting importance of school counselors' role in advancing college and career readiness.
U.S. Department of Education Urges Protection Against Fraud
Following Inspector General report on student aid fraud rings, Department issues guidance on detecting and preventing fraud.
Save Student Aid Petition
Join college presidents, administrators, and students in advocating for the preservation of federal student aid programs.
President Obama Provides Student Loan Relief
Borrowers with Direct Loans and Federal Family Education Loans can consolidate to receive up to 0.5 percent interest-rate reduction; Income-Based Repayment fast-tracked to 2012 instead of 2014
Federal Bureau Releases Model Financial Aid Information Form
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau releases a model disclosure form to provide students with important financial aid and student loan debt information.
Senate Committee Begins Consideration of ESEA Rewrite
After roadblock Wednesday, markup of draft legislation to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act continues in the Senate HELP Committee.
American Jobs Act Defeated in Senate
Bill receives only 50 votes, not necessary 60, to consider the $447 billion package tax cuts and spending aimed at creating and maintaining jobs.
Secretary Duncan Announces Winners of School Counseling Grants
43 schools districts awarded $15.2 million will establish and expand counseling programs under the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program (ESSCP)
ESEA Reauthorization Legislation Introduced in Senate
Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced the Senate HELP Committee will consider legislation for reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
NACAC Participates in U.S. Department of Education Process for Model Aid Award Letters
David Hawkins testifies at Department hearing as part of process to recommend a model financial aid award letter to Congress.
House and Senate Appropriations Proposals Differ on Pell Grant and ESSCP
House proposes changes to Pell Grant program and $0 for the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program.
NACAC Submits Comments to Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction
NACAC advocates for financial aid and college access programs in statement to Super Committee.
President Obama Delivers Third Annual Back-to-School Address
President encourages students to make postsecondary education a part of their plans for the future.
Senators Unveil New Data on the Use of Military Educational Benefits at For-Profit Colleges
Senators Tom Harkin and Tom Carper held a press conferenceto unveil new data on the use of Post-9/11 G.I. Bill education benefits.
Department Releases Official Cohort Default Rates for Schools
U.S. Department of Education announces national cohort defaul rate increased to 8.8%.
President's Jobs Bill Would Staff School Counselors
President Obama sent legislation to Congress proposing $30 billion to hire, rehire, and prevent layoffs of educators, including school counselors.
Department of Education Releases Expected Family Contribution Formula Guide
The guide includes tables and worksheets used to determine a student’s Expected Family Contribution.
Federal Student Aid Conference Details Announced
Preliminary session information has been released for the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid (FSA) Conference.
NACAC Joins 500+ Organizations in Opposing Cuts to Vital Education, Health, Job Training, Children’s and Social Services Programs
Letter urges congressmen to recognize the critical importance of domestic services programs when determining FY 2012 subcommittee allocations.
DHS To Exercise Discretion Regarding DREAM-Act Eligible Youth
President Obama directs the Department of Homeland Security to provide relief from deportation to young people who would be eligible to benefit from the DREAM Act.
2012-13 FAFSA Available for Comment
U.S. Department of Education seeks comments on draft 2012-13 FAFSA by October 17.
Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction Announced
Congressional leaders selected 12 members, 6 from each Chamber, to serve on committee charged with reducing deficit by $1.2 trillion over 10 years.
U.S. Department of Justice and 11 States File Lawsuit Against For-Profit Education Company
California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Tennessee, the District of Columbia, and two whistleblowers file suit against EDMC.
Deal Adds $17 Billion to Pell Grant Program Over Next Two Years
Program will receive $10B for FY 2012 and $7B for FY 2013 in mandatory funding.
Congress Passes GI Bill Fix, Protects Some Veterans from Tuition Hikes
Students enrolled in private colleges before January 4, 2011, in AZ, MI, NH, NY, PA, SC, and TX will be protected from tuition hikes that exceed the $17,500 cap on GI benefits.
New Additions to the Compliance Center
Searchable database of high schools, sample high school completion verification policies, sample gainful employment disclosures.
House and Senate Deficit Reduction and Debt Ceiling Bills Introduced
Bills differ on deficit provisions, but both use funds from eliminating in-school interest subsidy for graduate/professional programs for Pell Grant program.
Congress Hears from Members on Save Pell Day
NACAC and ASCA partner to send nearly 1,800 messages to Capitol Hill in support of the Pell Grant program.
NACAC Gears Up for Save Pell Day
Take action Monday, July 25, 2011.
Debt Ceiling and Deficit Conversations Leave Education Programs in the Balance
Future of funding for NACAC priority programs of concern as Congress takes on debt ceiling.
NACAC Joins Nearly 250 National Organizations In Opposition of Cuts to Vital Spending
Letter to Congress urges opposition to an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would result in massive cuts to education programs.
Promise Neighborhoods Application Available
Non-profit organizations and higher education institutions eligible for funds to develop and implement plans that will improve educational outcomes for students in distressed neighborhoods.
NACAC Urges Representatives to Support SEOG
The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant serves over 1.3 million students with family incomes of $19,000 or less.
U.S. Department of Education Publishes Information on College Costs
Information on tuition and fees will help students and families make informed decisions about higher education.
Senator Durbin Holds DREAM Act Hearing
Witness testimony from the executive branch, including Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and stakeholders on the legislation that would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented students.
NACAC and Coalition Partners Urge Discretion for DREAM Act-Eligible Young People
Letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano requests descretion to prevent/defer removal of young people who would be eligible to benefit from the DREAM Act.
Senate Amendment Would to Stop New Gainful Employment Rule
Amendment would nullify gainful employment regulations issued by the Department of Education on June 2.
NACAC Advocates Against Constitutional Amendment Returning Spending to 1960s Levels
Returning federal spending to 18% of GDP would make deep cuts to education.
NACAC Advocates for Equitable School Funding
Fiscal Fairness act promotes academic achievement among low-income students.
GEAR UP Applications Available
Program designed to increase the number of low-income students who enter and succeed in postsecondary education.
Grant Applications Available for Investing in Innovation (i3)
$150 million available for school districts and non-profit organizations to support evidence-based practices in education.
Senator Harkin Holds Hearing on Debt of For-Profit College Students
Hearing included testimony highlighting the rates at which for-profit college students borrow and default on federal student loans.
NACAC Advocates for Counseling Program Funding in Senate
NACAC asks Senators to sign on to letter supporting funding for the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program
Private Student Loan Bills Introduced
Senator Durbin and Congressman Cohen introduce legislation that would make private student loans dischargeable in bankruptcy.
NACAC Unveils Compliance Center
Center provides members with resources to comply with federal regulations on college admission activities by July 1.
Senator Harkin Speaks on For-Profit Schools and Schedules Next Hearing
Statement notes aggressive and misleading tactics aimed at the military and their GI benefits.
NACAC and ASCA Partner as Bill Moves Through Committee
HR 1891, which would eliminate ESSCP, passes in House Education and the Workforce Committee.
Senate Rejects House-Approved FY 2012 Budget Resolution
Senators reject 40-57 the House-approved measure with cuts to NACAC's financial aid and college access priority programs.
House Appropriations Committee Approves Allocation Cut to Education
Full committee approves limited funding allocation for appropriations subcommittee on education.
NACAC Urges Senators to Support the Pell Grant Maximum
NACAC asks Senators to sign Senator Boxer's letter to Appropriations Committee.
Education Bill Introduced in House Would Repeal Counselor Provisions
Proposal would eliminate the Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program and the only federal definition of
NACAC Advocates for Counseling Program Funding
NACAC asks House members to sign on to letter urging $55 million for Elementary and Secondary School Counseling Program.
NACAC Urges House Members to Support the Pell Grant Maximum
NACAC asks House members to sign Representative Chu's letter to Appropriations Committee.
House Funding Allocation for Education is Debilitating
Appropriations Chair allocates a nearly 12% cut to subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies.
DREAM Act Reintroduced in Congress
Legislation would provide path to citizenship for talented and ambitious undocumented students brought to the U.S. as minors.
Net Price Calculator Template Available
Tool will assist colleges and universities in meeting federal requirement by October 29, 2011.
Webinar on Vocational Training Disclosure Requirements
Federal regulatory requirements for proprietary and postsecondary vocational institutions providing programs of training that prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.
U.S. Department of Education to Convene HEA Negotiated Rulemaking Committee
Public meetings will determine Higher Education Act issues for Neg Reg committee.
Proposed FERPA Rules Available for Comment
FERPA regulatory changes continue to protect privacy while enabling the use of data systems.
Pell Grant Change Begins This Summer
FY 2011 spending bill repealed summer Pell Grant, this summer will be last.
President Obama Discusses Pell Grant in Budget and Deficit Speech in Virginia
Education funding, particularly Pell Grants, are important for students to compete globally, President says.
FY 2012 Budget Proposal Approved in House
Framework for FY 2012 House Appropriations process approved with debilitating cuts to financial aid and college access programs.
FY 2012 Budget Options in the House
Republican and Democratic versions of FY 2012 Budget Proposals introduced in the House.
White House and Congress Reach Funding Deal Hours Before Possible Shutdown
Financial aid and college access programs see modest funding cuts as summer Pell Grant is eliminated.
House Committee Approves FY 2012 Budget Resolution
Proposal would cut Pell Grant program funding increases of last three years.
Government Shutdown Looming
With less than 36 hours until funding ends, the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives must come to an agreement quickly.
Applications Available for the Educational Opportunity Centers Program
U.S. Department of Education announced grant applications for EOC Program, a Federal TRIO Program.
Member Advocates for Pell Grant Recipients
Misty Whelan discussed the effects of financial aid cuts so close to May 1.
Congress Works to Finalize Funding as Public Opposes Cuts to Education
Funding for this fiscal year, which ends September 30, must be complete by next Friday.
NACAC Submits Proposal on College Counseling in ESEA to Education Committees
Association recommends amendments to ESEA Titles I and II to include opportunities to increase college awareness and access.
U.S. Department of Education Issues Guidance on Incentive Compensation and Misrepresentation Regulations
Guidance will assist admission offices in understanding the regulations and preparing for compliance by July 1, 2011.
Senate Approves Funding Through April 8
A sixth continuing resolution for FY 2011 keeps the government operatating; House and Senate must compromise on long-term spending through September.
Applications Available for AP Incentive Program Grants
The U.S. Department of Education invites applications for the Advanced Placement Incentive Program Grants
As Senate Fails to Pass Two Long-Term Funding Options for Remainder of FY 2011, House Approves Another Short-Term
With both long-term spending bills denied in the Senate, the House approves another short-term bill to prevent a government shutdown.
President Obama Calls on Congress to Fix NCLB
President Barack Obama announced an ambitious goal of reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) by the start of the 2011-2012 school year.
FY 2011 Funding Options in the Senate
Senators could vote on HR 1 approved by the House, their own long-term spending bill, or another short-term spending bill.
First National Action Week of 2011
Student protection advocacy commenced yesterday on Capitol Hill, runs through March 13.
Congress Approves Bill That Will Prevent Government Shutdown Next Week
Joint resolution would fund government at FY 2010 levels through March 18, two weeks beyond expiration of current resolution.
House Approves Amendment to Stop Efforts to Protect Students
Amendment would prevent Department of Education from using funds to implement Gainful Employment regulations.
Federal Student Aid Hosts Workshops on New Regulations
U.S. Department of Education's FSA office will host workshops across the nation on new regulations in effect July 1, 2011.
House Passes Debilitating Spending Bill
Cuts to Pell Grant, SEOG, ESSCP, TRIO, and GEAR UP for remainder of FY 2011, which ends September 30.
President Obama Releases FY 2012 Budget Proposal
Budget for next fiscal year makes some changes to the Pell Grant program to maintain the maximum award of $5,550.
Major Cuts to Education Funding Proposed in House
Cuts to the Pell Grant program and ESSCP among $100B in cuts by House Appropriations Committee.
More Cuts for FY 2011
Preliminary cuts of $74B did not include education, an additional $26B may affect NACAC priority programs.
Senator Harkin Speaks on Senate Floor About Predatory Recruiting at For-Profit Colleges
According to information collected by the Senator, for-profit college recruiters developed elaborate systems to invoke “pain” among prospective students to pressure them into enrolling.
National School Counseling Week: Feb. 7-11
Sponsored by ASCA, week aims to focus public attention on the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems.
Remainder of FY 2011 Federal Funding on the Horizon, Cuts to Priority Programs Likely
One-third of the way into FY 2011, appropriators must pass funding for the remaining months.
President Announces Commencement Challenge
President Obama announces competition for students to demonstrate how their school prepares them for college and career.
Federal Admission Regulations: A Webinar, A Fact Sheet, and A Request
A leading researcher on for-profit education and a whistleblower in the largest for-profit education federal fraud lawsuits regarding incentive compensation participate in NACAC webinar.
President Obama: Win the Future by Out-Educating
President urges bipartisanship in reauthorizing ESEA and responsible cuts to spending.
Budget, Appropriations, and RASELFA
Spending for the remainder of FY 2011 to be voted on in the House the same week President Obama to release his FY 2012 Budget Proposal.
112th Congress Begins
Republicans control the House by a margin of 242 to 193 and Democrats narrowly have control of the Senate by a margin of 53 to 47.
Federal Government Funded Through March 4, 2011
Short-term continuing resolution includes funding for Pell Grant shortfall.
DREAM Fails in Senate
By vote of 55-41, DREAM Act fails.
Federal Funding Update
Fate of Fiscal Year 2011 spending unclear.
Congress Approves Tax Cut Extensions
American Opportunity Tax Credit and Student Loan Interest Deduction are among extensions approved by Congress.
DREAM Act in the Senate
Senate will vote to take up the DREAM Act this weekend.
Congress Passes Expansion of Post 9/11 GI Bill
Bill makes changes to education benefits for veterans who served after Sept. 11, 2001.
Senator Harkin Releases Report on the Use of Military Educational Benefits at For-Profit Colleges
Senator from Iowa releases report on military enrollment in for-profit education.
House Approves Federal Funding Through September
Last evening, Representatives approved a federal spending measure that includes $5.7 billion Pell Grant shortfall.
DREAM Act Update
Bill providing a path to citizenship for undocumented students who wish to attend college or serve in military passed House and now moves to Senate.
Department Reopens AP Test Fee Program Applications for FY 2011
The U.S. Department of Education extends deadline for states to apply for AP test fee funding.
Applications Available for HEP and CAMP
The U.S. Department of Education invites applications from colleges and universities for the High School Equivalency Program and the College Assistance Migrant Program.
CBO: DREAM Act Reduces Deficits by $1.4 Billion
S 3992 to gross $2.3B and net $1.4B over next 10 years.
Senator Durbin Introduces New DREAM Act
New version aims to gather more support from Senators.
NACAC Joins Education Associations' Call for Congress to Extend Tax Provisions
NACAC urges Congress to extend higher education-related tax provisions, particularly the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
DREAM Act Update
Senator Durbin (D-IL) introduced two new versions of the legislation, presumably to win more Senate support.
Talent Search Applications Available
Department of Education invites applications for Fiscal Year 2011 awards.
DREAM Act Vote in 111th Congress?
A vote on the DREAM Act in the House of Representatives tentatively set for Monday, November 29.
U.S. Department of Education Issues Final Rules on Admission Activities
New Title IV program integrity regulations will protect students and taxpayers.
$141 Million in College Access Challenge Grants Awarded to States
U.S. Department of Education awards 50 states, five territories, DC, and Palau funds for programming to increase college access for low-income students.
GAO Releases Report on Department's Enforcement of Incentive Compensation Ban
Government Accountability Office reviews enforcement of the ban on incentive compensation and makes recommendations to the Department of Education.
President Obama Announces "Skills for America's Future"
Effort will connect community college curricula with industry needs.
Congress Approves Continuing Resolution, Funding Federal Programs Through December 3
Measure allows the federal government to continue operating at Fiscal Year 2010 levels until appropriations are complete.
DREAM Act Hits Senate Roadblock
Senate defeats motion to proceed with bill that would include the DREAM Act as an amendment.
2011-12 FAFSA Available for Comment
U.S. Department of Education issues draft of next year's Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Secretary Duncan Announces Winners of Student Assessment Grants
U.S. Secretary of Education awards grants to two groups comprising 44 states
Department Releases Official Cohort Default Rates for Schools
U.S. Department of Education announces national cohort defaul rate increased to 7%.
Subcommittee Passes Private Student Loan Bankruptcy Fairness Act
House Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law passed bill enabling private students loans to be discharged into bankruptcy.
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 Legislative Action Center

Use NACAC's Legislative Action Center to contact your members of Congress and other federal and state decision-makers.

 State Legislative Portal

The new State Legislative Portal highlights current legislation in your state according to issue area. Check to find out what is going on in your state regarding college admission counseling.

 State Policies Enacted

Check out State Policies approved by legislatures in your state or region affecting college admission counseling. Also, review policies by category to see successful legislation in other states.

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December 15, 2011  

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