ICCTA Action Alert Sept. 5, 2003 The following summary is reprinted from the Association of Community Colleges Trustees. Washington Update Click here to see the legislative priorities from the 2003 Community College National Legislative Summit in Washington, February 9-11. Please continue to communicate these priorities with your elected officials by calling the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 (ask to be connected to your Senators' and Representative's offices). Your voice is critical to ensuring the future of America's communities! FY 2004 Appropriations Move Closer to Completion The House of Representatives completed action on its Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations bill, H.R. 2660, on July 10th. The Senate is debating its companion version, S. 1356, this month. The Fiscal Year 2004 amounts are essentially frozen at current year's levels, including holding the Pell Grant Maximum Award at $4,050. Title III, Strengthening Institutions, is boosted under both bills to $81.5 million, and the current Tech Prep program is raised to $107.3 million. Congress has thus far rejected the Administration's proposed 23 percent cut to the Carl D. Perkins Act, including the Tech Prep Program. The Administration's proposed Secondary and Technical Education Excellence Act (Sec/Tech) to replace the Perkins and Tech Prep programs has NOT yet been introduced in Congress. To see the FY 2004 proposals by program, click here. Congress Begins Work on Higher Education Reauthorization The House Committee on Education and the Workforce, led by Ohio Congressman John Boehner, has held several hearings on the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA). Additionally, the House has passed a bill, H.R. 2211, addressing teacher training programs expected to be integrated into the final House HEA package later. The House Committee is expected to introduce three additional legislative packages addressing HEA issues: College Affordability; Access; and Outreach to Disadvantaged Populations. Congressman Howard "Buck" McKeon (CA) is reportedly poised to introduce his College Affordability bill, which would require the Secretary of Education to release colleges' "affordability index" so that parents and students are informed about institutional costs. Institutions that exceed their index could be subjected to Department of Education sanctions. Additionally, propriety institutions are seeking Congressional approval through the HEA in order to access categorical program funding, such as Title III, Part A. If granted, community colleges would be forced to compete for funds with propriety colleges. The Senate is not as far along on their HEA proposals, but is expected to focus their efforts in earnest after the New Year. President Bush Signs HEROES Legislation Endorsed by ACCT On August 18th, President Bush signed into law H.R. 1412, the "Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act of 2003", to provide the Secretary of Education with specific waiver authority (relating to Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965) to respond to a war or other military operation or national emergency. This important legislation was endorsed by ACCT and the higher education community and provides important relief for students who suspend their studies in order to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. For a summary of the bill, click here. Illinois Community College Trustees Association 401 E. Capitol Ave., Suite 200 Springfield, IL 62701-1711 217-528-2858 (phone) 217-528-8662 (fax) ICCTA@communitycolleges.org (e-mail) http://www.communitycolleges.org | Home | News | Events | Links |