Rep. Capito Supports Student Financial Aid Reforms

Press Release

U.S. Representative Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) has cosponsored three pieces of legislation that would make financing higher education more efficient and transparent.

"As students search for answers as to how to pay for college, we can help provide applicants and their families with more information about the costs of higher education. Students need to know if the colleges they are considering are the right financial fit. They need information on the costs of college and whether they really need the full student loan amounts being offered. They also need to be able to apply for federal student aid earlier so they can plan to pay for tuition, room and board, books, and other expenses. I am proud to cosponsor three pieces of legislation that would address these concerns and make the higher education financing process more transparent for students and families," Rep. Capito said.

The Strengthening Transparency in Higher Education Act would create a college dashboard to consolidate financial aid and other information about a student's chosen college, includingenrollment, completion, net price and average loan debt. H.R. 4983 is sponsored by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) and 11 additional members of Congress.

The Empowering Students through Enhanced Financial Counseling Act would provide enhanced counseling for all students receiving federal financial aid. This legislation would help promote financial literacy and put students on a path toward paying off their student loans. H.R. 4984 is sponsored by Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) and 10 additional members of Congress.

The Simplifying the Application for Student Aid Act would permit students completing the FAFSA to use federal tax returns from two years ago. This would allow students to complete the FAFSA early and find out their federal financial assistance options sooner, giving them more time to determine the best way to pay for college. H.R. 4982 is sponsored by Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.) and 15 additional members of Congress.

Rep. Capito discussed these three bills and the need to help students find the educational path that's right for them -- whether it be university, technical school or community college -- at the Alpha Delta Kappa 2014 Southeast Regional Conference in Charleston this afternoon. Alpha Delta Kappa is an international honorary organization of female educators.

Source