April 10, 2024

Leading the news this week: Congress is officially back in session and *spoiler alert* the House got straight to business passing the latest WIOA reauthorization. 

Now let's dive into the latest news in higher education!

WIOA Reauthorization

Last night, the House passed H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act  (ASWAA), introduced by Chair Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Ranking Member Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA). This bipartisan legislation aims to reauthorize the 2014 Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA), which currently governs our federal workforce training infrastructure and serves as the primary federal workforce development law. Earlier this year, ACCT formally endorsed the legislation and sent a letter to the Committee on Education and Workforce expressing support for a floor vote on the bill. For the complete letter, please click here.

For a more comprehensive understanding, our fact sheet offers a summary of the proposed changes by ASWAA that would impact community colleges.

ED's New Student Loan Debt Relief Plan

This week, the Department of Education (ED) unveiled their new strategy to provide extensive debt relief to millions of borrowers. These plans aim to alleviate the financial burden for millions by proposing waivers for accrued interest, automatic discharge for eligible borrowers not enrolled in forgiveness programs, forgiveness for long-term borrowers, and assistance for those in low-value programs or institutions.

ED estimates that under these proposals over 26 million borrowers would be eligible for student debt relief. Additionally, ED provided state-level data totals for approved discharge across four existing major student loan forgiveness programs. For more information, click here to view the official press release. 

SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) Cohort 2 Applications

ACCT is accepting applications for the SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) project open to rural or rural-serving community colleges, as well as state or regional systems and associations. As a SNAP E&T third-party provider, you can receive reimbursement for expenses that support eligible students, including books, fees, transportation, childcare, and more.

Join the cohort for technical assistance, trainings, resources, and a stipend. Don't miss this opportunity to leverage funding and enhance student support. Applications are due Friday, April 19th, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET. For more details, click here.

*Final Reminder* Maximizing Federal Resources: Insights from FY 2024 & Looking Ahead to FY 2025 Appropriations

Join the public policy team of the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) for a timely conversation regarding federal appropriations on April 11, 2024 at 2:00 pm ET.

In his webinar, we'll delve into insights from FY 2024's final allocation levels and their impact on key programs. Plus, our panel of community college leaders, who have successfully secured community funding projects, will share tips for navigating and preparing for community funding projects in FY 2025 to help enhance your institution's application process. Register here. 

*Final Reminder* IRS Direct File Program Outreach

Direct File is a new, free tool from the IRS that allows eligible taxpayers to securely file their taxes directly with the IRS. Available in English and Spanish, it allows individuals to securely file their taxes online, with live chat support and assistance from IRS specialists.

The program is intended for individuals with simple tax returns, such as W-2 filers. Currently piloted in 12 states, it's estimated that 19 million people are eligible to use this tool. Given the prevalence of straightforward tax situations among community college students and members, Direct File could be a valuable resource for our community.

As the filing deadline approaches on April 15, and with over 50% of filers expected to submit within the last two weeks, we are encouraging our members in Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming to help promote the program to their students: 

• Share information about Direct File with your community via email or text message.
• Include information about Direct File in upcoming newsletter distributions to your networks.
• Post a link to Direct File (directfile.irs.gov) on your website
• Include a presentation or information about Direct File in an existing event or meeting.

Those interested can access the IRS' outreach resources including fact sheets, videos, and social media graphics here.  

• April 11 - Maximizing Federal Resources: Insights from FY 2024 & Looking Ahead to FY 2025 Appropriations Webinar
• April 24 - EPA Call for Applications for HBCU-MSI Advisory Council Webinar
• April 25 - deadline to apply for Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program

Outreach Efforts

Is 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) Alert network. To join, simply register here. 

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