Hispanic Lawmakers Launch Higher Ed Initiative

 WASHINGTON -- The National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL), has launched its web-based center on Higher Education. NHCSL's creation of this initiative was fueled by its desire to closely follow for the Department of Education's proposed gainful employment rule, a rule that NHCSL believes should be re-examined for unintended consequences before implementation. The website, meant to provide a central platform for updates on current issues surrounding access to higher education, will act as a portal for information, news and other resources.

"The Department of Education's gainful employment rule and its impact on our student's ability to continue to pursue higher education is concerning. Out of this concern, we have created an online center, where concerned individuals can learn more about the proposed rule and its potential impacts," Illinois State Senator Iris Y. Martinez said. "It is our hope that the Department of Education will re-examine the rule and the impact it may have on the Hispanic community."

NHCSL's Initiative on Higher Education website explains the importance of access for Hispanic students and weighs in on various higher education issues that affect the Hispanic community.  Additionally, the website asks visitors to "speak out" and tell the Department of Education how they feel about the proposed gainful employment rule by filing a comment in the public docket.

"We are not alone in our concern about the proposed rule. Many groups and individuals have already made their voices heard and we encourage more to do the same. NHCSL believes that the Department of Education's rule may be overbroad, a one-size-fits-all solution to the student debt issue that may harm already vulnerable students," Senator Martinez said. "We hope that our comments will encourage the Department of Education to take another look and further study the rule for unintended consequences."

About NHCSL

The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country. NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 300 Hispanic legislators.