18 days until NLS... No images? Click here ![]() January 17, 2024 Leading the news this week: Both chambers of Congress are in session, and it's almost certain that Congress will avoid a government shutdown. Now let's dive into the latest news in higher education. Congress Pivots to CR Ahead of Funding DeadlineOver the weekend, Congressional leaders unveiled their plans for a third continuing resolution (CR), the latest in a series of funding stopgaps since the expiration of FY2023 funding in September. This CR will maintain government funding at existing levels until March. The short-term CR aims to provide policymakers with additional time to negotiate subcommittee allocations. It maintains the current "laddered" approach, funding four of the 12 annual appropriations bills until March 1, while extending funding for the remaining agencies until March 8. Notably, the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education bill falls into the latter group. Despite the imminent expiration of government funding on Friday, both chambers have reached an agreement to pass the CR before that deadline. US Economic Development Administration GrantsDistressed Area Recompete Pilot Program The Recompete Program will invest in economically distressed communities to create and connect people to good jobs. The program targets areas where prime-age (25-54 years) employment significantly trails the national average, with the goal to close this gap through large, flexible investments. EDA selected 22 Recompete Finalists and invited them to apply for Phase 2 Notice of Funding Opportunity. In Phase 2, EDA will make approximately 4-8 implementation investments, with awarded regions receiving between $20 to $50 million. If your institution applied to Phase 1, you can check if you made it to Phase 2 here. To learn more about the program, click here. Applications are due April 25. Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs Program The Tech Hubs Program aims to enhance both U.S. economic and national security by investing in regions with the potential to globally compete in future technologies and industries. This initiative fosters collaboration among public, private, and academic partners, forming consortia dedicated to promoting regional growth. Utilizing their existing innovation assets as a base, these Tech Hubs aim to cultivate the workforce of tomorrow, facilitate the growth of businesses, and implement crucial emerging technologies. The EDA designated 31 Tech Hubs Designees who are now eligible to apply for the Tech Hubs Phase 2 Notice of Funding Opportunity. EDA intends to award implementation grants to 5-10 Designated Tech Hubs, allocating approximately $40-$70 million to each Hub across approximately 3-8 projects. If your institution applied to Phase 1, you can check if you made it to Phase 2 here. To learn more about the grant, click here. Applications are due February 9. Final Reminder: 2024 Legislative Priorities WebinarJoin the government relations teams from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) as they unveil the 2024 Community College Priorities (Green Sheet). The webinar will take place Thursday, January 18 at 2:00 pm ET and provide NLS attendees with a comprehensive understanding of our federal advocacy priorities, empowering them for legislative meetings with Members of Congress. Register here. ![]()
Outreach EffortsIs your institution meeting or hosting an event with federal elected officials? We created a Congressional Contact Form that will help us track outreach efforts of community college leaders across our membership. By filling out the form, you are better informing ACCT's advocacy efforts and our advocacy team is able to continue those conversations with congressional staff in DC. ![]() ACCT NOW is the go-to resource for issues affecting community colleges. Our new website features original reporting and research, as well as of-the-moment legislative updates. ACCT NOW also includes articles, reports, and research from outside sources that benefit the ACCT community. Read the Latest Articles on ACCT NOW: Have a Question?Contact us with any questions or concerns about public policy and ACCT's advocacy on behalf of two-year colleges and two-year college trustees. ACCT's Latest Action in Washington alerts are sent to interested ACCT members to keep you up to date on important legislative activities that impact community colleges. If you no longer wish to receive ACCT's Latest Action in Washington alerts, reply to this email with UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line. For more information about ACCT's advocacy services, visit acct.org/advocacy Spread the Word.Please encourage your fellow trustees, presidents and colleagues to stay up to date about legislation that affects their community colleges by joining the Latest Action in Washington (LAW) E-Alert network. To join, simply e-mail publicpolicy@acct.org with 'LAW Alert' in the subject of the e-mail. For more community college news from inside the beltway, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, or like us Facebook. |