Wyden, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Help Make Higher Education More Affordable | U.S. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon
Wyden, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Help Make Higher ... Senator Ron Wyden
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Legislation Introduced to Make Higher Education More Accessible
September 28, 2023
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden announced today the introduction of legislation aimed at making financial assistance more accessible to students pursuing higher education. The legislation, known as the Tax-Free Pell Grant Act, would exclude Pell Grants from taxable income.
“Figuring out how to pay for college is hard enough without having to maneuver the inner workings of the U.S. tax code,” Wyden stated. “This legislation would ensure that students are able to take full advantage of the aid they’re entitled to, which would go a long way to help make college more affordable for students in Oregon and nationwide.”
The Tax-Free Pell Grant Act aims to remove financial barriers to higher education by better coordinating Pell Grants with the American Opportunity Tax Credit and fully excluding Pell Grants from taxable income.
Currently, the tax code and lack of coordination between the Pell Grant and American Opportunity Tax Credit prevent students from maximizing their benefits. Many students struggle to calculate the optimal amount of the Pell Grant to include in taxable income, leading them to either leave benefits on the table or forgo claiming the American Opportunity Tax Credit altogether. This issue particularly affects students at lower-cost schools such as community colleges.
The legislation is led by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), and Ron Wyden.
The full text of the bill can be found here.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The article discusses legislation that aims to make financial assistance for higher education more accessible to students. This aligns with SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. Additionally, the article highlights how the current tax code and lack of coordination between programs disproportionately affect students at lower-cost schools, indicating a connection to SDG 10, which aims to reduce inequalities within and among countries.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes.
- Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
The legislation discussed in the article aims to remove financial barriers to higher education, making it more accessible for students. This aligns with Target 4.3 of SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring equal access to affordable and quality tertiary education. Additionally, by addressing the issue of coordination between programs, the legislation aims to promote inclusion and reduce inequalities, aligning with Target 10.2 of SDG 10.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not explicitly mention any indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, potential indicators could include:
- Percentage increase in the number of students accessing financial assistance for higher education
- Percentage decrease in the number of students leaving benefits on the table or forgoing claiming tax credits
- Percentage increase in the enrollment and graduation rates of students from lower-cost schools
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. | N/A |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university. | N/A |
| Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status. | N/A |
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Source: wyden.senate.gov
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