Federal Legislative Agenda

Financial Aid

Increase Funding for Work Study

Work study positions are linked to higher retention rates

Allow students the opportunity to gain practical work experience

Increases accountability to the campus community

Independent Student Status

Currently considered dependent until age 24 with certain exceptions

– (married, children, veteran, etc.) Appeals Process; financial independence is not

grounds for appeal Lowering the age of independence would more

accurately reflect current higher education contribution trends (Students contributing more than parents)

Pell Grant Funding

Increased Funding of the Pell Grant Expand Pell Grant Funding to more readily

allow for summer courses

TEACH “Scholarships”

Reallocate money into a more student-friendly scholarship program– Actually grants– Many strings attached– Good program in its intent, but money may be

able to go into a program that would better aid teachers

Federal Legislative Agenda

Textbooks

Textbooks

National movement for textbook legislation- Current legislation review

Timeline for MSUSA action

What MSUSA could accomplish

Proposed action/plan for national textbook involvement

Federal Legislative Agenda

Veterans

Support Veterans In Higher Education

Minnesota has the largest percentage of appointed National Guard in the nation

80% want to go to college when they return

Examples of Reforms and Changes

G.I. Bill Reform– GI Bill based on continuous service not

cumulative– Educational Benefits increase with inflation, not

increase of costs– Deferment for school loans only 6 months when

they return

Examples of Reforms and Changes

Department of Veteran’s Affairs Reform– Veteran’s must apply for educational benefits.

Why? Can take 16 weeks or more for reply on benefits

package

Examples of Reforms and Changes

Funding for Campus Assistance– There is a mandate that all campuses must

provide veteran assistance centers but there is no funding.

Examples of Reforms and Changes

Transfer, Information and Articulation– Make sure that our institutions are tracking

veteran’s better– We want to make a push for institutions to collect

veteran’s military experience so that they can be placed in the appropriate position in a major or program