Federal Education Update, March 2005. Commission Report 05-06

Overview & Synopsis

This update presents some of the major issues affecting higher education occurring at the national level. At the Commission meeting, staff will also provide an oral update on any late-breaking events. The report also presents for the Commission recommendations on federal proposals. The Commission advises the Governor and Legislature on higher education policy and fiscal issues. Its primary focus is to ensure that the state's educational resources are used effectively to provide Californians with postsecondary education opportunities. The report is divided into the following sections: (1) President's FY 2006 Budget Proposal for Higher Education Programs; (2) House Republicans Introduce Comprehensive HEA Reauthorization Bill; (3) Other Higher Education Legislation; (4) Pell Grant Changes Implemented, Democrats Counter with Legislative Proposal; (5) GAO Criticizes Education Department Approach for Updating Aid Eligibility; (6) Job Training Measure Clears House Committee; (7) House Reorganizes Appropriations Subcommittees; (8) Spellings Sworn in as Education Secretary; (9) Secretary Spellings Discusses Her Views on Higher Education; (10) Governor Schwarzenegger's Visit to Capitol Hill Recommendations; and (11) Recommendations.