Matheson Improves Higher Ed Bill

Makes Recommendations that Address Utah Concerns

Washington D.C.—Congressman Jim Matheson said he’s pleased that his recommendations are included in a House-passed college education bill in a way that eliminates unnecessary red tape and unfair funding penalties for Utah’s colleges and universities.  Matheson’s recommendations were incorporated in an amendment to the College Opportunity and Affordability Act—H.R. 4137.

“A college education is the best investment Utah families can make in their children. That’s becoming more difficult, as tuition costs rise and state funding sources are squeezed. I am pleased that I could work in a bipartisan way with my colleagues to make changes to the legislation that potentially could have tied up Utah’s system of higher education in red tape and not recognize the ebb and flow of state appropriations,” said Matheson.

Matheson said the measure will increase access to higher education for Utah students.  He pointed to the creation of a user-friendly website to provide students and families with college pricing comparison information, as well as a streamlined application for federal student aid.  Matheson said the bill also seeks to protect students from predatory lending practices and requires institutions and lenders to adopt strict codes of conduct.

“There is no better path to improving our economic competitiveness than helping students prepare for the jobs in a global economy.  This legislation offers more tools for kids and families in that regard,” said Matheson.

 

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