ED Seeks Input on HEA Implementation

Black Issues in Higher Education, Dec 10, 1998 by Charles Devarics

Now that Congress has passed a Higher Education Act bill, the action will move to the U.S. Education Department (ED) for implementation of the law.

ED has scheduled three public hearings in early December to solicit input, and it also will accept written comments through Dec. 15. The department is particularly interested in comments on changes in student financial-aid programs under Title IV of HEA. That section includes provisions on Pell Grants, student loans, and a variety of scholarship initiatives.

Regional hearings are scheduled Dec. 4-5, at the Holiday Inn on the Hill, Washington, D.C.; Dec. 8-9, a the Regal Knickerbocker, Chicago; and Dec. 11-12, at the Hyatt Regency, Los Angeles. Those interested in making oral statements may sign up beginning at 8:30 a.m. on the first morning of the hearing.

Individuals who cannot make these meetings may submit written comments to: Brian Kerrigan, ED, 400 Maryland Ave. SW, ROB-3, Washington, DC 20202-5257; or fax them to (202) 205-0786. The agency said it also will accept comments submitted via electronic mail to:<hea98negotiated_rulemaking@ed.gov>.