![]() ![]() Funding opportunitiesĪpplications are open for key community college funding opportunities: AACC is monitoring these proposals and is eager to work with policymakers on both sides of the aisle to advance a policy change that encourages uptake of these benefits for students at our colleges. The policy environment is complicated, and AACC is set on finding the right balance between what is desirable and what can be achieved. The bill is just one of several proposals to address food insecurity among college students ahead of the reauthorization of the Farm Bill, which governs nutrition assistance programs. The bill would increase SNAP eligibility for college students by counting their time participating in higher education as fulfilling the program’s work requirement and removing complicated student eligibility criteria altogether. Jimmy Gomez (D-California) reintroduced the Enhance Access to SNAP (EATS) Act, with companion legislation introduced by Sen. The bill would create a five-year grant program at the Department of Labor to support community colleges that feature immersive technology in their programs. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Delaware) and Tim Walberg (R-Michigan). This week, the Immersive Technology for the American Workforce Act was reintroduced by Reps. Other topics included refining the eligible provider list, encouraging employers to use WIOA to fill workforce needs, and expanding Pell Grant eligibility to students enrolled in shorter-term programs – a key workforce development priority for AACC. While community colleges were not witnesses at the hearing, witnesses and policymakers alike extolled innovative programs at local community colleges and underscored the importance of partnering with local community colleges in workforce development efforts. Last week, the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development hosted a hearing titled “Examining America’s Workforce Challenges: Looking for Ways to Improve Skill Development.” The subcommittee asked panelists – representing employers and workforce development providers – what changes should be made to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to better connect job-seekers with training opportunities and to strengthen the talent pool for local employers. WIOA reform still on policymakers’ agenda Scott also sharply criticized House Republicans’ proposed cuts to domestic programs, which he described as potentially devastating for Pell Grant recipients and student borrowers. ![]() Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-Virginia) focused his opening statement on the need to ensure opportunity for all students and praised the Department’s actions around student debt relief and civil rights. Foxx also criticized the Department’s response to her oversight letters. Secretary Cardona was back on the Hill yesterday, this time facing the House Committee on Education and the Workforce for an oversight hearing entitled “Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Education.” Chair Virginia Foxx (R-North Carolina) focused her opening statement criticizing the Biden Administration’s student debt cancellation plan, continued payment pause extensions, the new income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, and the new Title IX regulations, which she categorized as executive overreach. Capito pushed for additional support for alternative pathways, including expanding Pell Grants to shorter-term workforce programs. Baldwin touted the importance of Perkins funding and the career-connected schools proposal. While Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia) criticized the free community college plan, both she and Chair Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) highlighted a shared interest in workforce development efforts. He also pointed to free community college and increases to the Pell Grant as key budget priorities. ![]() Secretary Cardona focused much of his testimony on the administration’s proposal to build stronger career pathways, highlighting proposed investments in career and technical education and career-connected schools. The secretary had appeared before the House Labor-HHS Subcommittee in April. Last week, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona appeared before the Senate Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee to defend the Biden administration’s budget request for fiscal year 2024. Cardona to defends Biden budget, ED programs Editor’s note: This weekly update from the government relations office at the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) provides the latest on what’s happening in Washington and how AACC is advancing policies to support community colleges and students. ![]()
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