- White House Releases $2.25T Infrastructure and Tax Proposal
- IRS Issues Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Guidance
- Action Item: Senate “Dear Colleague” Letter Calls for At Least $20B for NSF in FY22
- Upcoming Events
WHITE HOUSE RELEASES $2.25T INFRASTRUCTURE AND TAX PROPOSAL
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden is expected to unveil an eight-year, $2.25 trillion package to improve the nation’s transportation, renewable energy, and manufacturing infrastructure, including significant funding for scientific research. According to a White House fact sheet, the American Jobs Plan will include funds to “create millions of good jobs, rebuild our country’s infrastructure, and position the United States to out-compete China.” The bill includes: $180 billion for research and development; $300 billion for manufacturing and regional innovation; $137 billion for public schools, community colleges, and childcare facilities; $100 billion for workforce development; $100 billion for high-speed broadband; $100 billion to upgrade the nation’s power infrastructure; and more. The proposal also includes elements of the administration's agenda to address climate change and “persistent racial injustice.”
Punchbowl News reports that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) aims to advance the infrastructure package by July 4. This would allow the Senate to vote on the bill before the August recess.
President Barbara R. Snyder issued a statement about the bill, saying it would “help undo years of neglect to the foundation of America’s scientific and innovation leadership by ramping up investments in basic science, critical technologies, research infrastructure, innovation incubators, and manufacturing.”
IRS ISSUES HIGHER EDUCATION EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND GUIDANCE
The IRS on Tuesday released Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund guidance to address questions on taxability, claiming higher education tax credits, and 1098-T reporting related to HEERF monies. NACUBO is working to analyze the guidance, and we will share their analysis when available.
ACTION ITEM: HOUSE “DEAR COLLEAGUE” LETTER CALLS FOR AT LEAST $20B FOR NSF IN FY22
Reps. G. K. Butterfield (D-NC) and David B. McKinley (R-WV) are circulating a “dear colleague” letter asking representatives to join a letter to House Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agency Appropriations Subcommittee leaders requesting they provide at least $10 billion for the NSF in FY22. The letter notes that this is the “minimum level of funding needed to prepare future generations to help our nation remain a world economic leader and to reflect the rising costs of research.”
Interested representatives should complete this form by 7:00 p.m. ET April 23. Staff contacts for the letter are AJ Malicdem with Rep. Butterfield or Katie Brown with Rep. McKinley.
UPCOMING EVENTS
APRIL 27 COSSA 2021 SOCIAL SCIENCE ADVOCACY DAY; More information and registration here.
MAY 31 GOLDEN GOOSE AWARD 2021 SPONSORSHIP DEADLINE; More information here.