NACUBO On Your Side: January 10–23, 2023
1/23/2023
As things move quickly in Washington, DC, NACUBO is your constant advocate in action. NACUBO On Your Side covers important legislative and agency activity NACUBO staff are tracking, what we’re currently advocating for, and how you can take action with us.
Here are the issues we are tracking and advocating for this week.
On the Hill
House Republicans Name Committee Leaders
Following the election of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House, Republicans were tasked with choosing committee assignments. Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) was selected to chair the House Committee on Ways and Means, which is in charge of tax policy. Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC) will chair the House Education and the Workforce Committee. Foxx, a former community college president, chaired the committee from 2017 to 2019.
Agency Action
Secretary Yellen Urges Action as US Reaches Debt Limit
In letters dated January 13 and January 19, Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen advised the Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy about immediate and long-term ramifications of failing to increase the debt limit—the amount of money that the federal government is statutorily authorized to borrow—and urged action to prevent “irreparable harm to the U.S. economy, the livelihoods of all Americans, and global financial stability.” On January 19, the federal government reached the debt limit and was forced to begin “extraordinary measures” in order to avoid defaulting on debt.
VA’s Enrollment Manger Goes Live March 6, More Training Available
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that on March 6, users will receive email messages with access instructions for Enrollment Manager, the new online system for submitting student veteran enrollment certifications. VA-ONCE, the current system, will sunset on February 24, and the VA will not accept certifications during the transition period. Training modules and an FAQ are available on the VA’s website.
California Report on Facilities Contains Nationwide Guidance
The California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) recently released a brief, Addressing Capital Renewal at UC and CSU, with context from NACUBO related to higher education capital needs. The brief examines capital renewal needs for the University of California and the California State University systems.While it focuses on considerations for California lawmakers, other higher education business officers and policymakers may find the discussion informative and helpful when examining their facilities investment needs.
Association Action
ACE Names Top Lobbyist
The American Council on Education (ACE) has named Jon Fansmith senior vice president of government, the role vacated by the retirement of Terry Hartle. Fansmith was formerly assistant vice president, government relations at ACE.
Take Action
Register Now for NACUBO’s Next Washington Update
NACUBO’s next quarterly Washington Update will take place on Friday, February 10, from 1–1:30 pm ET. The webcast is free for members, and you can send questions in advance to advocacy@nacubo.org.
