Skip to main content

Pocan Applauds President’s Plan for Simplifying the Financial Aid Process

September 14, 2015

Sent Letter in June Asking Department of Education to Streamline FAFSA Form

Washington, D.C - U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02) issued the following statement after President Obama announced his plan to simplify the student financial aid process, allowing students to complete their FAFSA's using prior-prior income data retrieved electronically from the IRS. The President's new plan will allow students to use prior-prior income data and submit applications as early as October 1st.
"Simplifying the financial aid process is a common sense step towards making college more affordable and accessible," said Rep. Mark Pocan. "I called for changes to be made in how students apply for financial aid back in June and I am happy to see the President take these steps today. The President's actions will allow families, and especially low-income and first-generation students, to access financial aid information earlier so they can make better-informed decisions about their higher education plans."
In June 2015, Rep. Pocan and Rep. Lloyd Doggett (TX-35), along with a bipartisan group of Senators and House Members previously, sent a letter to Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan asking the Department of Ed to allow students to use prior-prior income data. In July, Rep. Pocan, also introduced the Simplifying the Application for Student Aid Act, H.R. 3177, a bill, which would simplify the student financial aid process.
Issues:Education