Congressman Peter DeFazio visits campus to talk about the future of student aid
On May 4, US Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR-4) participated in a panel discussion at the University of Oregon to discuss the future of federally funded student aid programs. He was joined on the panel by UO Assistant Vice President for Student Financial Aid and Scholarships Jim Brooks, Lane Community College (LCC) Director of Student Aid Helen Faith, Associated Students of Lane Community College President Malisa Ratthasing, and UO students Giselle Sheeran and Stefani Aleman. UO Vice President for Enrollment Management Roger Thompson served as moderator for the event.
Congressman DeFazio discussed the budget resolution that passed the US House on Friday May 1 that contains cuts to student aid programs. The resolution eliminates all mandatory funding for Pell Grants, in-school subsidies for undergraduate Stafford loans and the Public Sector Loan Forgiveness Program. Congressman DeFazio voted against the resolution. The US Senate passed the resolution on Tuesday, May 5. UO students receive approximately $170 million a year in federal student aid, and almost 70 percent of Oregon residents attending the UO get some form of financial aid. Most of that aid comes from federal sources.
Wyden reintroduces The Student Right to Know Before You Go Act
US Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) has again introduced "The Student Right to Know Before You Go Act," which uses IPEDS information matched with employment and earnings information as the basis for new transparency requirements for universities. Senator Wyden first introduced this bill in the 112th Congress. The bill would require institutions to disclose the information on websites and in other forums.
Senators Marco Rubio (R-Florida) and Mark Warner (D-Virginia) joined Wyden in sponsoring the bill. More information on the legislation is available here.