Rep. Norma Torres announces legislation protecting students’ access to basic needs
By IECN
“The Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) is proud to support the Basic Assistance for Students in College (BASIC) Act,” said Olivia Golden, executive director, CLASP. “Skyrocketing tuition and the rising cost of education-related expenses have led to more students being unable to meet their basic needs. And traditional financial aid packages often don’t account for necessary expenses such as health care, transportation, and food. The BASIC Act establishes a $500 million grant program to encourage institutions of higher education to identify and address the basic needs of students while also encouraging federal agencies to coordinate in helping eligible students enroll in important public benefits programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, and federal housing assistance. We applaud Representative Torres for introducing this bold legislation that would promote economic mobility and improve access to education.”
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