Event Summary

On March 18, AEI’s Beth Akers and Preston Cooper spoke with Alex Ricci of the Education Finance Council and Lindsey M. Burke of the Heritage Foundation to discuss what it would look like to pass meaningful higher education finance reform through the budget reconciliation process.

First, Dr. Akers introduced the speakers and encouraged the audience to participate by asking questions throughout the event instead of at the end. She then steered the conversation to touch on accountability measures for colleges and universities, the future of student loans and income-based repayment plans, and the Department of Education. Each speaker gave their own perspective as a different actor in this space, and the audience’s questions were concerned with the timeline of reconciliation and how to keep colleges accountable on their return on investment.

—Anna Coulter

Event Description

Higher education finance is facing a critical juncture. The Biden administration’s push for student debt cancellation has significantly disrupted the financial landscape, creating uncertainty and exposing the system’s flaws. As lawmakers debate the future of higher education finance, one key question is how the budget reconciliation process—a fast-track legislative tool that allows certain fiscal policies to pass with a simple Senate majority—can drive lasting change.

In this web event, AEI’s Beth Akers will moderate a discussion with Alex Ricci of the Education Finance Council, Lindsey M. Burke of the Heritage Foundation, and AEI’s Preston Cooper. Together, they will explore the potential for meaningful and lasting reform through budget reconciliation legislation, focusing on both the opportunities and hurdles ahead.

Agenda

4:00 p.m.
Introduction:
Beth Akers, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

4:05 p.m.
Panel Discussion

Panelists:
Lindsey M. Burke, Director, Center for Education Policy, The Heritage Foundation
Preston Cooper, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
Alex Ricci, Vice President of Government Affairs and Communications, Education Finance Council

Moderator:
Beth Akers, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

4:45 p.m.
Q&A

5:00 p.m.
Adjournment

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