8/15/2008
President Signs Higher Education Act (HEA) Reauthorization Bill
President Bush signed the Higher Education Opportunity Act (H.R. 4137) into law August 14, reauthorizing higher education programs and setting education policy for the next five years. After months of negotiations, a compromise bill passed both the House and the Senate on July 31, 2008 and was sent to the President on August 6, 2008.
The comprehensive HEA bill has not been fully reauthorized since 1998. Among other provisions, the bill simplifies the financial aid process, authorizes year-round Pell Grants and expands the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) program, requires additional lender disclosures, and increases college aid for veterans and military families.
As noted in the latest edition of OGSLP’s Online News, we’ll provide more detailed information about bill provisions when the analysis is complete. Visit our Legislation Page often for important updates and additional information about HEA and other legislative topics. If you have questions, please contact our Policy, Compliance, and Training department at 405.234.4432 or pct@ogslp.org.