Higher Education Leaders Share Concerns on Federal Financial Aid
The leaders of the Universities of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Wisconsin Technical College System sent a letter to Wisconsin’s Congressional Delegation highlighting concerns with the Student Success and Taxpayer Saving Plan as passed by the House Education and Workforce Committee. If interested, you can read the letter from Jay Rothman, President, Universities of Wisconsin, Eric Fulcomer, President, Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and Layla Merrifield President, Wisconsin Technical College System.
On May 22, these leaders gathered together for a press conference where they discussed their concerns with the legislation and its impact on students- some of whom attended the event. For more, you can read a statement from each leader, which was shared following the press conference.
In the background of this and as Congress continues to work to advance the broader reconciliation package, several national associations representing higher education wrote letters to Congress expressing similar concerns. Importantly, the Universities of Wisconsin continue to engage with Members of Congress – including the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation – and through our national associations on issues of importance and concern to our universities. Further updates continue to be shared with designated university legislative liaisons, who are engaged in similar efforts both state and federally as appropriate.
Reconciliation Update
On May 22, 2025, via a vote of 215-214-1, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The legislation now moves to the Senate where further consideration and adjustments are expected following the Memorial Day Recess.
Litigation Update
On Mary 22, 2025, a preliminary injunction was granted in the State of New York v. Linda McMahon, a multi-state case challenging the dismantling of the Department of Education. At the time of the injunction, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said, “Today’s order preliminarily blocks the Trump administration’s sweeping and lawless attempt to gut the Department of Education. While this case is far from over, this ruling is a clear victory for students in Wisconsin.” For more from the Attorney General, you can read his press release.
Recent Federal Actions
- Department of Commerce: Statement from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on the Tech Hubs Program
- Department of Education: Secretary McMahon Announces Immediate Increased Funding, New Grant Program for Charter Schools
- Department of Education: U.S. Department of Education Releases Secretary McMahon’s Supplemental Grant Priorities
- Department of Health and Human Services: HHS and Harvard University Grant Terminations
- Department of Justice: Justice Department Establishes Civil Rights Fraud Initiative
- Department of Homeland Security: Harvard University Loses Student and Exchange Visitor Program Certification for Pro-Terrorist Conduct