More CEF for you. No long commentary from me this time!
Erica Navarro was a terrific guest at Friday’s CEF meeting. Good person for us to know going forward. If you are really into the wonky budget stuff, her presentation is attached.
Friday, December 2, 2016
Dear CEF Members:
I. Policy Intelligence and Education News
· Newest list of OMB’s requested “anomalies” for a second CR – Attached is the list I mentioned yesterday of funding changes (aka, anomalies) that OMB has reportedly requested for a second continuing resolution through the end of March. The list not been officially released, so may not be the final word on what is being requested and considered.
· Presentation from Education Department’s Erica Navarro – Also attached is Erica Navarro’s presentation from this morning’s meeting. She provided a very helpful overview of how ED is apportioning money under the CR. First, ED is not releasing funds for programs that were not included in the House and Senate Appropriations Committee funding bills (i.e., those less likely to be funded in a year-long bill). Second, apart from two student aid “anomalies” on the attached list, ED does not think it needs funding different from the FY2016 level if Congress provides a continuing resolution (CR) that lasts until the end of March. ED is evaluating whether it would need additional anomalies if the CR lasts through the end of April, or the end of May.
· New America report on state and local higher education funding – This week New America released a report called “Past is Prologue: State and Local Funding for Higher Education in the Next Recession” that predicts how much non-federal funding might fall in a future recession. Their conclusion: steep funding cuts (up to 8% by 2022 if a recession hit next year) with tuition increases of 30%. Some states are less prepared to weather a recession than this national average, with Colorado’s state and local higher education funding among the most precarious.
· Transition comings and goings – This week brought more changes among the education staffers on the Trump transition team. Reportedly, the following changes occurred. Out: Gerard Robinson of the American Enterprise Institute. In: Townsend McNitt, former deputy chief of staff at ED, to support Betsy DuVos in preparing for the confirmation process. In: Robert Goad, on leave from the staff of Rep. Luke Messer (R-IN), who reportedly crafted the President-elect’s school choice plan. In: Thomas Wheeler, formerly on Mike Pence’s staff, to be part of the ED landing team (those who work ahead of time within agencies to get the scoop on how things work).
II. Events
· Post-election briefing at 3pm on Wednesday, Dec. 7, with Chris Cillizza – CEF will hold an election debriefing featuring Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post’s “The Fix” blog on Wednesday, December 7, at 3pm at AASCU (1307 NY Ave, NW). Save up your questions on everything you ever wanted to know about the election.
· Upcoming Friday meetings:
o December 9, 9-11am, at University of California (1608 Rhode Island Ave, NW, 1st Floor Auditorium).
Our speaker is George Everly, Chief Counsel to the Senate Budget Committee, who can talk about how the reconciliation process works and Republican plans to use reconciliation next year to provide fast-track consideration for various pieces of legislation.
o December 16, 9-noon, at University of California (1608 Rhode Island Ave, NW, 1st Floor Auditorium). This is CEF’s annual meeting with the elections for next year’s board, so participation is important! Speakers to be determined.
· ACG-hosted Member Lunches– There are two more chances for CEF members to join us for lunch at the ACG offices. These are a great way for the ACG team to get to know each member more personally and hear about your specific issues. You can sign up for the lunch on December 7 or December 14 here: Member Lunches Sign Up
Have a good weekend!
Sarah Abernathy, Deputy Executive Director
