State Policy
Bachelor’s Degree Final Study Report Released
In January 2025, House Higher Education Committee Chair Rep. Taylor Collins asked Iowa’s community college presidents to study the feasibility of offering bachelor’s degrees. Community Colleges for Iowa released an interim report in May and has now issued the final study, which examines feasibility, lessons from other states, and recommendations for scope, structure, and legislative changes. The report highlights significant workforce shortages and “education deserts” across Iowa, particularly in healthcare, IT, manufacturing, education, and the skilled trades, where affordable bachelor’s pathways are lacking. It concludes that community college-led bachelor’s programs could expand access, affordability, and workforce alignment, especially for rural and place-bound students. With thoughtful planning on tuition, faculty, appropriations, and accreditation, Iowa could follow other states in boosting employment, wages, and equity through community college baccalaureate programs. Read the report and news coverage here.
2026 Legislative Priorities Handout Available
Every year, CCforIowa has a handout on our legislative priorities that informs advocates throughout your campuses and can be given directly to legislators. Using the 60th Anniversary to frame our conversations on funding, programs, and effectivenss, our goal is it to be clearer than ever to define the role of the legislature in community colleges delivering our mission. Each campus will receive 25 copies in the mail next week, and we will have additional copies at the Convention and Tradeshow as well as Leadership In Action Week. A digital copy can be seen here.
Federal Policy
Federal Government Shutdown
Congress failed to pass a short-term funding bill before FY25 ended on September 30, triggering a partial government shutdown on October 1. The Senate rejected the House’s continuing resolution, and negotiations remain stalled as Senate Democrats push for ACA subsidy extensions and funding protections, while the Trump Administration insists on a “clean” bill. OMB has directed agencies to prepare for possible permanent staff reductions. Federal financial aid continues, but grant administration and support functions are disrupted. The House is in recess until October 13, and neither chamber’s funding proposals are expected to advance in upcoming Senate votes.
Student Loan Changes
The Department of Education has begun rulemaking to implement student loan changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill, with a target date of July 1, 2026, while another panel will address Workforce Pell and accountability regulations later this year. The Senate HELP Committee is seeking feedback on improving transparency in higher education, and Secretary Linda McMahon announced new grant priorities focused on career pathways and meaningful learning opportunities. ACCT is also hosting webinars on Workforce Pell (Oct. 7) and dual credit pathways in Texas (Oct. 9), and urges colleges to support CCAMPIS and SIP by sharing impact stories and joining the Action Campaign.