Kinzinger’s bill would improve financial aid access for more higher ed students

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) last week sponsored a bipartisan bill to increase the number of Americans applying for federal student financial aid to attend college.

“The most recent jobs report showed a booming economy and an exceptional job market here in America,” said Rep. Kinzinger. “We need to make sure more Americans have the education and training they need to fill these open jobs.”

Rep. Kinzinger on May 8 introduced the Improving Middle Class Access to Higher Education Act, H.R. 2595, with cosponsor U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH). The bill would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the income limit of the simplified needs test under the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

“I’m proud that my bill, the Improving Middle Class Access to Higher Education, will help students looking to pursue their education by improving the process of filling out the FAFSA,” Rep. Kinzinger said. “Education is a crucial opportunity and this legislation is one way we can help more Americans achieve a brighter future.”

The congressman said that the FAFSA completion rate among high school seniors has been roughly 60 percent over the last few years, resulting in billions of dollars of federal financial assistance going unclaimed.

If enacted, H.R. 2595 would align requirements for the FAFSA’s Simplified Needs Test with the income thresholds used by the Internal Revenue Service to qualify individuals for simplified tax forms.

According to the text of the bill, the income limits would be increased from $50,000 to $100,000 and would take effect with respect to award year 2019–2020, and each succeeding award year.
H.R. 2595 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Education and Labor Committee.