CECU Daily Update

In Case You Missed It - A Look Back at CECU Government Relations in 2019
When we look back on 2019, we may remember it as the year we changed the face of the sector. We framed conversations around students instead of schools. We talked about our service to minorities, low-income individuals and especially veterans. We explained to the media and policymakers the role of private career schools in America. Our conversations always revolved around students and outcomes! Now, we head into 2020. All eyes will be on the November 2020 election. It is questionable as to whether updates to the Higher Education Act (HEA) will occur in an election year. Before we get into the new year, let's reflect on CECU’s commitment in 2019 to all aspects of government relations: research, communications, grassroots, advocacy, external relations and policy development!
 
Be sure to read the full email sent on Thursday, December 19th

---

CECU’s Steve Gunderson, Mike Dakduk and Steve Gonzalez attended the Department of Veterans Affairs—Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) Holiday Open House. Pictured here is the CECU team with Dr. Paul Lawrence (seated on left), the Under Secretary for Benefits, and Margarita Devlin (seated on right), the Principle Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits. ​

​Education Politics and Policy
Secretary DeVos Praises Higher Education Reforms Signed Into Law that Simplify the FAFSA®, Provide Consistent Funding for HBCUs
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos released the following statement on the FUTURE Act after President Trump signed the bill into law.
 
How the FUTURE Act Improves the Federal Financial Aid System – NASFAA
The bill will also significantly improve program integrity and reduce administrative burden for students and families, schools, and the federal government.
 
Alexander: President Trump, Congress Give Christmas Present to Historically Black Colleges and 20 Million Students Who Fill Out FAFSA Each Year
U.S. Senate education committee Chairman Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) today said that President Trump and Congress have delivered a Christmas present for millions of students and families after President Trump signed bipartisan legislation into law that included an amendment by Alexander and Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.).
 
How higher education fared in the 2020 spending package – Education Dive
The Senate on Thursday approved a $1.4 trillion appropriations package that boosts spending for certain higher education priorities, such as Federal Work-Study and minority-serving institutions (MSIs). 

​Financial Aid and Student Loan Issues
Student loan rescue won’t hurt taxpayers: White House – Fox Business
The Trump administration is considering a plan to relieve federal student loan debt by lowering interest rates and eliminating debt in bankruptcy without burdening U.S. taxpayers.
 
529 Savings for Loans – Inside Higher Ed
Student loan borrowers may soon be able to pay down their debt using money from 529 savings accounts. President Trump is expected to sign a spending bill that includes this provision Friday. 

​Education News
Education Deserts – Inside Higher Ed
New report examines access to postsecondary opportunities by ZIP code, questions the impact of free college and says for-profit institutions fill gaps between public colleges.
 
San Diego Christian College On Probation Again Over Financial Problems – kpbs
San Diego Christian College, long plagued by money problems, is on probation again after a regional accrediting agency found it “significantly out of compliance” with fiscal and administrative requirements.
 
College enrollment in New Hampshire is growing faster than almost anywhere else. Wait – it’s growing? – Concord Monitor
Southern New Hampshire University’s online programs have become so successful that they account for two-thirds of all college and university enrollment in New Hampshire, and appear to be the reason we’re the only state in the Northeast that is seeing increases in post-secondary enrollment.