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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | April 13, 2023 03:53 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Melissa Cerrato |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | FAFSA Graduation Requirement |
| As you may know, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a free form that students must fill out to see if they qualify for federal financial aid for college. This form allows a student to receive federal grants, work-study employment and student loans, and financial aid from states and institutions of higher education. However, research has shown that students are missing out on $24 billion in federal and state grants, subsidized loans, and work-study funding each year because they are eligible for aid but do not complete the FAFSA. Some students face significant barriers to completing the FAFSA, including those who struggle to access their parents’ financial information, broadband internet, or college counselors, as well as students who face language barriers. Other states have acted to increase FAFSA completion among high school students by requiring high school students to complete the FAFSA to graduate with clear success, which is why I am introducing legislation to do the same. Based on an Illinois law, my legislation would require high school students to complete the FAFSA as a graduation requirement and allow students to opt out with approval from the student’s parent or guardian. This legislation would also require school districts to assist students in completing the form so that students will not have to be on their own. It is our responsibility to ensure that students are set up for success if they would like to pursue higher education. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to ensure that no money is left on the table to make a student’s dreams a reality. |
Introduced as HB1312