This morning the House Education and Labor Committee held a mark up of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act, which includes provisions that encompass the President’s American Graduation Initiative.
At the start of the session, Committee members focused on the community college grants and their connection to strengthening the workforce.  Rep. Hare (IL) pointed out that community colleges are often the only source of workforce training in rural areas, and Rep. Loebsack (IA) mentioned that community colleges are one route to further education. But not all of the focus was positive. Rep. Castle (DE) stated that he had mixed feelings about bill because while community college involvement with business is a good thing, the construction funding for those institutions should be a state and local, not federal, responsibility.
Congressmen on the committee were also given the opportunity to offer amendments to the bill, many of which related to the student financial aid elements of the bill, but some affected the community college portions. Rep. Woolsey (CA) offered an amendment that would require the Education Department to give priority to grant applications under Title V that focus on low-income and non-traditional students. Rep. Loebsack offered an amendment that would give priority to grant applications that incorporate sector partnerships, which are essential in addressing labor market needs and bringing community colleges and industry together. In a related amendment, Rep. Polis (CO) proposed adding an activity to the use of funds in Section 503 of Title V that allows eligible entities to use funds to respond to regional market trends.
The Committee passed the bill in a vote of 30-17, and it has been referred to the House Budget Committee.  The Senate is expected to take up the bill after the August recess.
