January 10, 2024

Leading the news this week: Both chambers of Congress are officially back in session. The Department of Education announced it has officially received over 1 million 2024- 25 FAFSA applications. 

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

Topline Spending Deal

Earlier in the week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Mike Johnson finally reached an agreement regarding the overall spending levels for the fiscal year 2024.

This agreement essentially upholds the spending levels established in the Fiscal Responsibility Act last spring, allocating $886.3 billion for defense and $772.7 billion for nondefense programs. Notably, the deal maintains the $69 billion "side-deal" struck between President Biden and former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The figures are higher than the House funding levels for their FY24 bills but lower than the proposed Senate funding levels. Additionally, the agreement includes the rescission of $16 billion in previously-appropriated funds and a $20.2 billion cut in IRS funding.

Next Steps: House and Senate appropriators still need to hash out the funding allocations for each subcommittee. Congress has just 9 days until the next appropriations deadline and they still have a lot of work to do before they're able to pass the four appropriations bills. Many Members of Congress have began pressing leadership for another continuing resolution to extend current funding levels until March. ACCT will continue to monitor the situation and update you accordingly.  

ED Regulatory Update

This week, the Department of Education (ED) reengaged the negotiated rulemaking process, addressing a broad spectrum of proposals ranging from meal plan reimbursement to accreditor oversight. Noteworthy initiatives involve implementing more stringent guidance around financial aid balances and charges, cracking down on reciprocity agreements, and expanding several TRIO programs to undocumented students. Additional negotiation sessions are scheduled for February and March. As a reminder, all final rules must be issued by November 1, 2024 in order to go into effect by July 2025.

For more information, click here.  

2024 Legislative Priorities Webinar 

Join 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. 

• Accepting Applications on a Rolling Basis - CHIPS Incentives Program – Facilities for Semiconductor Materials and Manufacturing Equipment

• July 3 - Prison Education Program (PEP) applications open on a rolling basis

• January 11 - TANF Request for Information 
• January 18 - 2024 Legislative Priorities for Community Colleges Webinar 
• February 27 - deadline to apply for Career Skills Training 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) E-Alert network. To join, simply e-mail publicpolicy@acct.org with 'LAW Alert' in the subject of the e-mail.

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