Students on the Berkeley campus — and across the nation — are closely following tax reform proposals making their way through Congress. Numerous provisions would make higher education more expensive and less accessible by raising costs to institutions, increasing student debt, and discouraging aspiring students who struggle to finance their continuing education. The University of California has gone on record as opposing both the House of Representative’s and Senate’s proposals in their recent form. As Congress plans to vote on the final bill next week, provisions are quickly changing. Breaking news suggests that the most controversial proposals concerning higher education have been dropped by the new bill that aims to reconciles the House and the Senate versions. However, some proposals that may be harmful to students and to higher education may remain. Until a full, final bill is released to the public, details remain uncertain. Students are encouraged to check the following resources, and other news outlets, for updated information on government actions and for responses from students and universities. More Information University of California Advocacy Network analysis of tax plan UCB Chancellor’s and Graduate Deans’ Message to Students, Faculty, and Staff — statement of December 6, 2017 American Council of Education — summary of issues and FAQ, December 2017 American Association of Universities — statement of December 2, 2017 How the GOP Tax Plan Affects Graduate Students — analysis by a UC Berkeley graduate student, November 4, 2017 Updated reportage by the Chronicle of Higher Education — December 13, 2017 Updated reportage by In Higher Education — December 13, 2017 Updated reportage by The Washington Post — December 14, 2017 How to Respond Instructions on How to Contact Your Congressional Representatives and Make Your Case (Student Advocates for Graduate Education) Contact Your Elected Officials
Students on the Berkeley campus — and across the nation — are closely following tax reform proposals making their way through Congress. Numerous provisions would make higher education more expensive and less accessible by raising costs to institutions, increasing student debt, and discouraging aspiring students who struggle to finance their continuing education. The University of California has gone on record as opposing both the House of Representative’s and Senate’s proposals in their recent form. As Congress plans to vote on the final bill next week, provisions are quickly changing. Breaking news suggests that the most controversial proposals concerning higher education have been dropped by the new bill that aims to reconciles the House and the Senate versions. However, some proposals that may be harmful to students and to higher education may remain. Until a full, final bill is released to the public, details remain uncertain. Students are encouraged to check the following resources, and other news outlets, for updated information on government actions and for responses from students and universities. More Information University of California Advocacy Network analysis of tax plan UCB Chancellor’s and Graduate Deans’ Message to Students, Faculty, and Staff — statement of December 6, 2017 American Council of Education — summary of issues and FAQ, December 2017 American Association of Universities — statement of December 2, 2017 How the GOP Tax Plan Affects Graduate Students — analysis by a UC Berkeley graduate student, November 4, 2017 Updated reportage by the Chronicle of Higher Education — December 13, 2017 Updated reportage by In Higher Education — December 13, 2017 Updated reportage by The Washington Post — December 14, 2017 How to Respond Instructions on How to Contact Your Congressional Representatives and Make Your Case (Student Advocates for Graduate Education) Contact Your Elected Officials