Federal Updates

Economic stimulus bill proposes changes to student aid programs
House Democrats released a preliminary, draft version of the American Recovery and Investment Bill of 2009, a new economic stimulus bill that is intended to provide supplemental appropriations for a variety of initiatives. House Committees are scheduled to start hearings on the bill this week.

ED releases Special Allowance Rate memo and additional ECASLA guidance
ED issued a memo on FFELP special allowance rates for the period ending December 31, 2008.

Reauthorization DCL: Second look
Shoptalk Online continues its coverage of Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) GEN-08-12/FP-08-10, which provides a summary of many of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA) provisions that amended and reauthorized the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA).

TG Updates

TG offers FAFSA program to schools and community organizations
For the last 14 years, TG has produced an informative program on completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the all-important document for any student interested in federal aid for college. The FAFSA-Made-Easy program explains the FAFSA section by section and offers information for submitting the application. The program also serves to inspire students to attend an institution of higher education.

Spread the word: Join TG at these events in support of Financial Aid Awareness Month
This February, TG team members travel across Texas, promoting financial aid awareness and lending support at key events planned for Financial Aid Awareness Month. Their goal is to answer questions on financial aid and help students complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How do financial aid offices make a difference? Find out with new issue of TG Connection
TG's latest edition of TG Connection examines how financial aid professionals often go above and beyond to provide the best service to students.

TG to close for annual corporate meeting on Thursday
TG will be closed for its annual corporate-wide meeting on Thursday, January 22, from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This, That, and the Other...

Consumers may soon be able to get free credit scores through their bank or credit union. Fair Isaac Corp., which produces the FICO credit score, is announcing an agreement to make its score available free to an estimated 200,000 members at the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union. The corporation is working on making the service available to others as well.

Learn more at http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123199103802984715.html.