Letter to the Hon. Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Education - Watson Coleman Leads New Jersey Delegation Request for Expedited Funds to Community Colleges

Letter

Dear Secretary DeVos:

We write to follow up with you on the status of disbursing funds appropriated under the
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help institutions of higher
education as they continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand that since the
CARES Act was enacted on March 27, 2020, the staff at the Department of Education has been
working diligently to distribute funds to eligible institutions. However, the delay in when
institutions are actually able to drawdown funds has made it particularly difficult for students at
community colleges. This is why we hope to work with you to expeditiously distribute funds to
students and campuses.

With the second most confirmed COVID-19 cases in the nation, it is clear that New Jersey students
have an immediate need for assistance. This need is likely even greater among students at
community colleges as they have on average, the lowest incomes of higher education students.

While colleges and universities across the country are experiencing significant difficulties caused
by the ongoing pandemic, these challenges are exacerbated for community colleges, which tend to
have fewer resources, but needier students. Further, they may be less familiar with complex
processes and systems within the Department.

The Department must act swiftly to streamline the administrative hurdles that institutions must
pass to access funds available so that they can continue to operate and support students while
responding to this ongoing crisis. We understand that Department has tried to establish guidance
that includes flexibility and clarity. Given the disruptions this pandemic has caused, we hope that
you will prioritize flexibility, expediency, along with accountability, that is consistent with
language in the CARES Act.

Thank you for your attention to this pressing matter. We look forward to working with you to
ensure that all students in New Jersey, and particularly community college students, are supported