Federal Updates

Closed School Corner
The Department of Education (ED) reports school closures.

TG Updates

The New and Improved ICM
The Integrated Common Manual (ICM) has recently undergone a transformation of sorts. But to open it up, you would never know the difference—immediately, that is.

The Early FAFSA Gets the Funds
As higher education industry participants, you know how important it is for students to apply for admission and financial aid as early as possible.

Trends and Issues

Loan Forgiveness Chat Draws Huge Public Response
The questions from student loan borrowers came fast and furious during the January 10 Loan Forgiveness Chat on Mapping Your Future (MYF)—with at least 70 questions submitted within the first 10 to 15 minutes. MYF is a public service website providing college, career, and financial aid information and services.

Legislative Update

The January 16 edition of TG’s Legislative Report includes a summary of CBO’s Monthly Budget Review, including outlays and revenue, a brief article about the President signing the remaining three appropriations bills, and an article about the first meeting of the Texas Joint Interim Committee on Private Activity Bonds. Read the entire Legislative Report online at http://www.tgslc.org/lege_report/
2002/lr_020116.cfm.

Common Manual

Common Manual Updates
Information on recent updates to the Common Manual.

Quick Links

• Bookmark the ICM.
• Read the Q&As from the MYF Loan Forgiveness chat.
• Get details about the February 7 FAFSA Teleconference.

This, That, and the Other...

The House of Representatives, which is in its first week of the second session, has scheduled a vote this Thursday, January 24, on S. 1762, also known as the 2003 interest rate fix bill. This bill was brought to a House vote at the end of the last session but failed to receive the two-thirds majority it needed to pass.

For more information about this issue, see the Shoptalk Online article titled "2003 Interest Rate Problem: The Problem and Possible Solution" from Edition 134. Shoptalk Online will keep you informed about the progress of this legislation.

Take a look at Adventures In Education, TG's Public Awareness website.