Perkins Loan Extension Act Expected Imminently

May 10, 2017

The Perkins Loan Extension Act will remains on track to be introduced by Reps. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Mark Pocan (D-WI).  Thanks to the hard work of COHEAO and other Perkins Loan advocates, the bill has strong bipartisan support, but they would like to have more cosponsors. 

Once the bill is formally introduced, COHEAO will fully activate our grassroots initiatives in support of extending Perkins. Upon the bill’s introduction, look for an announcement from COHEAO with sample messages, plans for organizing calls, and other relevant information. 

In the meantime, if you have an opportunity to visit with your legislators while they are home on recess, please do so. Even absent a formally introduced bill, conveying the message that this program needs to be extended this year can make an impact. 

In addition to advocating for the program with your Senators and Representatives, it is critically important for you to continue that vocal support with campus colleagues and senior leadership. Much like in 2015, extending this program will take an advocacy effort from all parts of the higher education community. 

COHEAO has a collection of legislative and on-campus advocacy materials on a special webpage, “The Perkins Loan Program 2017 and Beyond.”