Following is a statement by Association of American Universities President Mary Sue Coleman on the House Education and Labor Committee’s recent introduction of the College Affordability Act:
We are currently reviewing the legislation and commend Chairman Bobby Scott (D-VA) for provisions of this bill designed to improve access to higher education, including proposed increases to Pell Grants, the return of the Perkins Loan program, and FAFSA simplification. While we support the general goals of the legislation, several sections raise concerns about new requirements and their unintended consequences. We hope to work with Chairman Scott and all members of the committee to improve the legislation in ways that will foster bipartisan support and help expand access and affordability for students now and for decades to come.
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