Westbank Louisiana News

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, ranking member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, expressed concern over the Biden administration's decision to delay the transmission of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) information to colleges and universities. The transmission, which was supposed to begin in late January, will now be delayed until mid-March.

In a statement, Cassidy highlighted the impact of this delay on students and their access to financial aid. He shared his recent conversations with leaders of Louisiana colleges who also expressed concerns about the FAFSA rollout, calling it a "disaster". Cassidy criticized the Department of Education (DeptEd) for failing to properly implement the new FAFSA program by the legally required deadline of January 1st, despite having three years to prepare.

"Their inability to do their job has real consequences for students and families," Cassidy said. "These unacceptable delays from the Biden administration create the real likelihood that many students will forgo college because they cannot choose a school without knowing their eligibility for student aid."

The delays in implementing FAFSA have also impacted high school counselors, who have had to postpone financial aid information sessions. They are now rushing to connect with students and families to help them navigate the new FAFSA process. Additionally, colleges are unable to provide students with financial aid offers, leaving them with less time and information to compare financial aid packages and make informed decisions about their college options.

In response to the situation, Cassidy and 27 Republican lawmakers have submitted a formal request to the Government Accountability Office for an investigation into DeptEd's handling of FAFSA and its impact on students and families.

The Biden administration's delay in transmitting FAFSA information has raised concerns about students' access to financial aid and their ability to make informed decisions about their college choices. The repercussions of these delays highlight the need for a thorough investigation into the handling of FAFSA by the Department of Education. As students and families eagerly await financial aid information, the impact of these delays cannot be underestimated.