Congress is close to rushing through a tax reform package that will have negative effects on higher education and we need you to take action. The GOP tax packages being considered in Congress include provisions that undermine public higher education by:
- Repealing the tax deduction for interest paid on federal student loans which will exacerbate the student debt crisis in our country and will put a heavier burden on students and their families.
- Reclassifying graduate school tuition waivers as taxable income. Tuition waivers are not money that goes into students' pockets. Reclassifying these waivers increases taxes on low-income students by as much as 400%;
- Eliminating the ability to deduct any state and local taxes from a taxpayer's federal liability which will have long-term consequences for public higher education by placing a huge strain on state budgets.
These changes in tax policy will harm our efforts to build the workforce of the next generation. The IFO stands with our colleagues and students from across the country in calling for our representatives to reject any tax reforms that negatively impact access and affordability to quality higher education.
Please click here to contact your Congressperson today and urge them to reject the GOP tax plan.