{"id":6939,"date":"2025-05-23T10:00:12","date_gmt":"2025-05-23T15:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/government-relations\/?p=6939"},"modified":"2025-05-23T10:06:04","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T15:06:04","slug":"may-23-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/government-relations\/2025\/05\/23\/may-23-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"May 23, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Higher Education Leaders Share Concerns on Federal Financial Aid<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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<\/a>\u00a0from Jay Rothman, President, Universities of Wisconsin,\u00a0Eric Fulcomer, President, Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, and\u00a0Layla Merrifield President, Wisconsin Technical College System.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> from each leader, which was shared following the press conference.<\/p>\n

In the background of this and as Congress continues to work to advance the broader reconciliation package, several national associations representing higher education wrote<\/a> letters<\/a> to Congress expressing similar concerns. Importantly, the Universities of Wisconsin continue to engage with Members of Congress \u2013 including the Wisconsin Congressional Delegation \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

Reconciliation Update<\/strong><\/p>\n

On May 22, 2025, via a vote of 215-214-1<\/a>, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

Litigation Update <\/strong><\/p>\n

On Mary 22, 2025, a preliminary injunction<\/a> was granted in the State of New York v. Linda McMahon<\/em>, a multi-state case challenging the dismantling of the Department of Education. At the time of the injunction, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul said, \u201cToday\u2019s order preliminarily blocks the Trump administration\u2019s 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.\u201d For more from the Attorney General, you can read his press release<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Recent Federal Actions<\/strong><\/p>\n