Kaine Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill To Provide Higher Education Support For Homeless Students And Foster Youth

Statement

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) cosponsored the Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act, a bill to help homeless and foster students get the support they need to access and succeed in higher education. This legislation, which Kaine also cosponsored last Congress, was introduced by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Rob Portman (R-OH).

"Every student deserves the opportunity to pursue higher education, but homeless and foster youth often face unique obstacles and don't get the support they need," Kaine said. "I'm proud this legislation will help remove barriers and empower students to access knowledge for a more promising future."

The Higher Education Access and Success for Homeless and Foster Youth Act encourages colleges and universities to work with the federal government to improve outreach to and resources for homeless and foster youth, including streamlining FAFSA, easing the burden of verification, clarifying eligibility for financial aid, helping students access housing options between terms, and designating liaisons to help provide services for these vulnerable students. It also requires the U.S. Department of Education to help resolve questions about a student's independence, publish more transparent data on the number of homeless and foster youth served, and ensure its grant programs identify, recruit, and prepare homeless and foster students for college. The bill also provides in-state tuition rates for those students who haven't had stable residency.

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