Additional Higher Education Relief Legislation In the Works

Last week, the House Rules Committee advanced a $1.889 trillion pandemic relief package, which includes $39.6 billion in additional funding for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). The Senate heard arguments from senators about provisions included in the package, including an increase of the federal minimum wage to $15. With the House voting to advance the bill on Friday evening, the Senate is now considering the legislation and is expected to vote in early March.

To date, the University of Arizona has received $83 million in federal pandemic relief funding from the CARES Act and the first round of HEERF funds issued in December 2020. The funds have been used to support students via emergency grants and support the university in mitigating the considerable impacts the pandemic has had on operations.

GCR, in partnership with our peer universities, advocated extensively for these funds with Congress and the previous Administration, and have adapted that advocacy and messaging to continue pursuing federal support for American universities that have played an integral role in the research and development of testing and vaccines for the Covid19 virus.