New President and What You Can Do

 

On January 20, 2016, Donald Trump will become the President of the United States and he will be supported by a Republican controlled Congress.  While many would argue that a Republican majority in all three branches of our government is unbalanced, this majority represents new and significant opportunities for our students and schools.

 

It is anticipated that an anti-regulation, pro-jobs Trump administration will view our schools favorably; however, we cannot presume that this will be the case. With the dire consequences of Gainful Employment Regulations ("GE") upon us and the threat of new Borrowers’ Defense for Repayment ("BDR") Rules to be implemented and in effect as of on July 1, 2017, we’re far from out of the woods.

 

This cannot be overstated enough; we need your help in proactively educating the new Congress and Administration on the dire consequences GE and BDR on our industry.  In order to be heard above the long line of industries drowned by the Obama Administration’s regulatory actions we must speak loudly; and take reasoned and quick action.  And we need all our members’ support in order to help ensure our success.  

 

 

Challenge #1: Through this pdf, you will find talking points to help guide your conversations with Congressional members. In addition, we’ve provided a letter in document form that you can share your Congressman. Lastly, we’ve provided two links for you to search who your elected officials are, and how to reach them.  

• House of Representatives: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/
• Senators: http://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/

Challenge #2: For those of you who are up for an even bigger challenge...Congress has adjourned for the holidays, and all of your elected officials are now back home in the State/district  until January 2, 2017.  We implore you to reach out to the local offices and enhance your level of outreach by going and visiting them immediately. AACS wants to keep Congress informed.  We want to be sure that both Congress and the Administration are ready to act on behalf of our students and schools as soon as possible.

 

As a final point, the GRC requests that you carefully follow our talking points.  While there are many perspectives on and tacks to building support in Congress, the most effective campaign is one with a common message.  Disparate messages will confuse the lobbying effort and limit our success.  We would also encourage you to reach out to GRC members who may be in your State, or neighboring States.  I’m sure, if available, they would like the opportunity to join your meetings and help relay AACS’s message.

 

We look forward to hearing about your progress.  Good luck and remember, communicate with us every step of the way.  We are here to help you help all of our schools be successful.

 

Sincerely, 

Kristie Davis

 

GRC Communications, on behalf of...

Your AACS Government Relations Committee