Legislative Updates & Advocacy

Legislative Updates and Advocacy

Financial Aid Advocacy

Financial aid advocacy is an ongoing effort, as federal and state budgets are decided annually with implementation set for the start of each fiscal year, July 1. We are committed to advocating for financial aid protections on behalf of our students.

Our office actively informs students and the larger campus community through electronic correspondences, in person presentations, and attendance at related public events to spread awareness about legislative movements that may limit, negatively change, or alter financial aid accessibility and regulations on federal and state levels. Further, we circulate noteworthy updates and advocacy information, and create Change.org petitions on an as-needed basis.

Interested student groups, faculty, campus leaders, and departments are always welcome to contact our office to discuss ways to join student aid advocacy movements.

Take Action

You may have heard of the "fiscal cliff", but not really know what it is, or how it could potentially impact your federal aid next year. Federal and state governments are making big decisions about next year's budgets soon. We already know how important financial aid is for our students, but now Congress really needs to hear from you.

Since Congress failed to reach an agreement to stop a sequester by March 1, across-the-board spending cuts will shortly take effect. The Student Aid Alliance projects that millions of college students will see their federal aid reduced, with many by up to $765 for 2013-2014. Federal student loan interest rates and terms may be impacted too.

Financial Aid Types:

What You Can Do Now:

  1. Protect Federal Aid - Sign the Petition. Then, send the link to family and friends.

  2. Follow the Student Aid Alliance on Facebook and Twitter (hashtag: #studentfiscalcliff) to stay in the know.
  3. Visit the NY Student Aid Alliance to share how New York state aid (TAP, HEOP) has helped you.  Follow and contribute to the conversation on Twitter (#studentaid13).
  4. Learn how to manage your money and make better informed financial decisions.
  5. Like our Facebook page for related updates and more.

Please rest assured that any legislative changes made will not impact awarded financial aid for the 2012-2013 academic year. On a positive note, to help reduce the likelihood of falling off the "fiscal cliff", several tax credits and deductions were recently extended. Share this beneficial information with your family before they file their federal tax returns.

Knowledge is power, but only if you share your voice too.

News Archive

Legislative and aid advocacy updates from local, state, and national media sources.