Yesterday afternoon the House voted 253 to 171 to pass H.R. 3221, the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2009. The bill includes the American Graduation Initiative which will provide funding for community colleges and area CTE schools to create innovative and effective programs that lead to the completion of a post-secondary degree, certificate or industry-recognized credential. The bill also provides funding for secondary and postsecondary schools to use for modernization, renovation and repair of their facilities.
The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee is scheduled to draft a companion bill this fall. While no language has been released yet, they are planning to have a bill introduced before the October 15 reconciliation deadline.