Following is a statement by Association of American Universities President Mary Sue Coleman on the House Education and Workforce Committee’s Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education Reform (PROSPER) Act:
AAU shares the House Education and Workforce Committee’s goals to improve the Higher Education Act to make student aid and federal higher education policy better serve students, their families, and the American economy. With little time to review the bill and amendments, however, we are deeply concerned that the proposed sweeping changes will negatively impact college access and affordability and prove detrimental to the education and training of our future workforce.
Of particular concern is the proposed elimination of loan programs that help students finance graduate and professional studies. At a time when our economy demands a highly-skilled and educated workforce, these and other aid programs are more important than ever. As drafted, this bill not only conflicts with our nation’s long-term economic goals but runs counter to the American value of opportunity for all by diminishing federal support for low- and middle-income students.
We continue to analyze the bill and remain committed to working with Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, Ranking Member Bobby Scott, and other Committee members to craft a bipartisan bill that works for students and their families.
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