Introduction by Barbara K. Mistick
Dear Colleagues,
With the July 1 deadline for implementation of key higher education provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act fast approaching, I’d like to update you on two critical areas of focus.
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The Reimagining and Improving Student Education (RISE) Committee — Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). Earlier this week, I sent a comment letter to the Department of Education outlining eight recommendations we believe can strengthen and clarify critical aspects of the NPRM. The letter was co-signed by over 30 of our state association and Secretariat members. The Department’s NPRM outlines numerous implementation decisions that fundamentally alter how higher education financing functions. Considering this, we believe our recommendations will strengthen the durability of the proposed changes by making common-sense adjustments that better reflect the operational reality of our institutions.
In addition, I am aware of work our membership took to help secure congressional letters that focused on broadening the Department’s definition of a professional degree, including one signed by over 150 Members of Congress and one from the Connecticut congressional delegation.
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Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD Committee. The draft regulations from the AHEAD committee are expected soon, perhaps as early as next week, thus initiating the comment period. The Department will need to collect and analyze the comments and draft a final rule by the July 1 implementation deadline. So, time will be of the essence once the draft regulations are made public. NAICU will provide updates as the process proceeds.
As we reported in last week’s Washington Update, the Congressional Budget Office is estimating that there could be a $17 billion funding shortfall for the Pell Grant program for FY 2027. While this year’s maximum Pell Grant award is not affected, without additional funding for the program in FY 2027, Congress will be forced to either cut the maximum grant or reduce eligibility.
I am asking you to reach out to your Representative and ask them to request to the House Appropriations Committees “sufficient funding to maintain the current Pell Grant maximum award of $7,395.” We have prepared a brief sample letter you can use and tailor for your communications with your representatives.
As a reminder, as part of the annual appropriations process, Members of Congress can make specific funding requests for federal programs and earmarks, as well as legislative or report language for each of the twelve appropriations bills. In the House, this year’s Member-request deadline is March 20, which is why this advocacy is needed now.
While the Senate has yet to establish a deadline or open its request portal, you can still engage your Senators now on this critical issue. All Members of Congress can make this request to shore up bipartisan support for students.
Finally, we also have our sights set on the upcoming accreditation negotiated rulemaking sessions. NAICU has submitted nominations to the Department for both a primary and alternate negotiator to participate in the Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) Committee, which is expected to start its work next month.
I hope you have a pleasant weekend.
Barbara
Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.
President, NAICU
For more information, please contact:
Barbara K. Mistick, D.B.A.