Support the Perkins Loan Extension Act Today!

April 10, 2017

Prepared by:  Wes Huffman (whuffman@wpllc.net)

This month, Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Mark Pocan (D-WI) will be introducing the Perkins Loan Extension Act, a bill which ensures students will continue to have access to this important student loan program.  Working with COHEAO, ACE, the Alliance for Student Aid, and other higher education associations, Reps. Stefanik and Pocan are working to show as much support as possible for continuing Perkins Loans prior to introduction of the extension.  They are seeking endorsements from individual schools and state, regional, and national organizations by April 14, 2017.

On September 30, 2017 the Perkins loan program is set to expire, which would leave 500,000 students cut off from much needed financial aid.  This bill would simply extend the Perkins loan program for a period of two (2) years until Congress can reauthorize the program during consideration of the Higher Education Act.

What You Can Do To Support the Extension

You can contact Alicia Molt, Deputy Chief of Staff/Legislative Director for Congressman Mark Pocan with your school or organization’s support for the introduction of this bill.  Simply email Alicia at Alicia.molt@mail.house.gov with your personal message or copy the suggested email content below.  If you will be using the content below, be sure to add your name, title, and school name at the end of the communication.  Please put “Support Perkins Loan Extension” in the subject line of the email.

—————————————————————————–

Subject:  My support of the introduction of the Perkins Loan Extension Act

Dear Ms. Alicia Molt,

I am writing your office today to support the introduction of Perkins Loan Extension Act.  It is important for students at our school to have access to this important program and this much needed financial aid.  This program has been invaluable in helping students achieve their dream of a college education. 

In addition, I would appreciate your consideration of the removal for the requirement for the award of Unsubsidized Stafford Loan aid.  As you are most likely aware, subsidized Perkins Loans are more beneficial than the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan aid to low-income students as the interest does not accrue while the student is in school.  Lastly, I would also like you to consider restoration of the Perkins loan program for graduate students as this program is important to help students that are trying to further their education.

We appreciate the efforts of Representative Pocan and Representative Stefanik in supporting the extension of the Perkins Loan Program. 

Sincerely,

<<Your Name>>

<<Your Title>>

<<Your School’s Name>>

Please do not hesitate to contact COHEAO with any questions.