U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination, has promised to fix the higher education system in the country through a new vision document.
Last week, Klobuchar released her “Many Paths to Success” post-secondary education plan in which she has detailed the policy measures she would take if voted to power.
Her plan proposes to make college more affordable by expanding the Pell Grant eligibility to families earning up to $100,000 per year and doubling the maximum Grant to $12,000. The students would also receive financial aid to cover non-tuition expenses.
By improving coordination between the IRS and the Department of Education, the proposal plans to simplify the income verification process for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
@amyklobuchar rolls out higher education plan in Nashua.Asked about meeting Dec debate standards Amy says"I meet every bar that is put in front of me.That is what I have always done in my life."
#AmyForAmerica https://t.co/3jSSCbU447— jim rice (@rice_ricej) October 25, 2019
The plan proposes to allow students and parents with existing federal and private student loans for undergraduate and graduate programs to refinance their loans at lower rates. It also promises to strengthen the borrowers’ defense regulation to protect students defrauded by their colleges.
For students planning to enroll in community colleges and earn technical certifications, the plan proposes a tuition-free model to be created through a new federal-state partnership. She also proposed improving tax incentives for retraining and post-secondary education and investment in apprenticeships.
Klobuchar plan also includes various initiatives that would increase STEM education including for women and underrepresented minorities, increase college access for veterans, remove barriers to education for homeless and foster youth and invest in Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs).