Summary: Truth-in-Tuition Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require institutions of higher education (IHEs) that are participating in the Act's student assistance programs to provide each prospective cohort of students applying to enter their undergraduate or graduate programs with a binding, multi-year tuition and fee schedule for the normal duration of such studies. Requires the Secretary of Education to waive the application of such requirement to IHEs that are unable to comply because of events causing them severe economic distress. Directs the Secretary to award: (1) competitive grants to IHEs that, for an academic year, have a net tuition (tuition and fees, minus grant amounts) increase that does not exceed the percentage change in the higher education price index; and (2) bonus amounts to IHEs that guarantee that their net tuition will not outpace changes in such index over specified periods of time. Requires IHEs to distribute such grants and bonuses as need-based grant aid to students who are eligible for federal Pell Grants. Requires IHEs whose annual net tuition increase outpaces such index to issue an explanatory report to the Secretary that includes actions being taken to remedy the situation.

truth tuition act amends higher education act require institutions higher education ihes participating act student assistance programs provide prospective cohort students applying enter undergraduate graduate programs binding multi year tuition fee schedule normal duration studies requires secretary education waive application requirement ihes unable comply events causing severe economic distress directs secretary award competitive grants ihes academic year net tuition tuition fees minus grant amounts increase exceed percentage change higher education price index bonus amounts ihes guarantee net tuition changes index specified periods time requires ihes distribute grants bonuses need based grant aid students eligible federal pell_grants requires ihes annual net tuition increase index issue explanatory report secretary includes actions taken remedy situation


Summary: Fire Fighter Higher Education Incentive Act of 2007 - Amends title IV (Student Assistance) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 to cancel the Perkins loans of full-time federal, state, and local fire fighters.

incentive act amends title student assistance higher education act cancel perkins loans time federal state local fire fighters


Summary: College Cost Reduction and Access Act Technical Amendments of 2007 - Makes technical changes to amendments the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (the Act) made to the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Ensures that mandatory Pell grant funding made available for any fiscal year by such Act remains available for the succeeding fiscal year (thus, for the full Pell grant award year). Specifies the untaxed income and benefits which the Act excluded from the list of untaxed income and benefits considered in federal student need analyses (thereby, specifically excluding them from such analyses). Clarifies that students who were orphans, wards of the court, or in foster care when they were 13 or older are independent for federal student aid purposes. Provides that, for married borrowers who file separate tax returns, income-based loan repayments under the HEA shall be determined solely on the basis of their individual student loan debt and adjusted gross income. Ensures that National Guard members who serve full-time are eligible for the student loan deferment the Act provides to other military personnel for 13 months after the conclusion of active duty service. Moves the Act's funding program for minority-serving institutions from title IV (Student Assistance) to title III (Institutional Aid) of the HEA.

college cost reduction access act technical amendments makes technical changes amendments act higher education act hea ensures mandatory pell grant funding available fiscal year act remains available succeeding fiscal year pell grant award year specifies untaxed income benefits act excluded list untaxed income benefits considered federal student need analyses specifically excluding analyses clarifies students orphans court foster care older independent federal student aid purposes provides married borrowers file separate tax returns income based loan repayments hea shall determined solely basis individual student loan debt adjusted gross income ensures national_guard members serve time eligible student loan deferment act provides military personnel months conclusion active duty service moves act funding program minority serving institutions title student assistance title hea


Summary: Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the amount of the outstanding principal and interest on capital financing bonds for historically Black colleges and universities that may be federally insured.

amends higher education act increase outstanding principal interest capital financing bonds historically black colleges universities federally insured


Summary: Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to establish a taskforce within the Department of Education to recommend improvements to the study of modeling and simulation, and identify the core capacities that students in such programs should acquire. Authorizes the Secretary to award: (1) competitive grants to institutions of higher education (IHEs) for the enhancement of their existing modeling and simulation programs; and (2) grants to IHEs for the establishment of such programs. Requires grantees to raise, from nonfederal sources, an amount equal to 25% of their grants.

amends higher education act direct secretary education establish department_of_education recommend improvements study modeling simulation identify core capacities students programs acquire authorizes secretary award competitive grants institutions higher education ihes enhancement existing modeling simulation programs grants ihes establishment programs requires grantees raise nonfederal sources equal grants


Summary: Minority Male Academic Achievement Study - Directs the Secretary of Education to: (1) commission a national study of underrepresented minority males, particularly African American and Hispanic American males, who successfully progress from high school through higher education; and (2) make specific recommendations to Congress and states on new approaches for increasing the number of minority males who make such progress and advance into careers in which they are underrepresented.

minority male academic achievement study directs secretary education commission national study underrepresented minority males particularly african american hispanic american males successfully progress high school higher education specific recommendations congress states new approaches increasing number minority males progress advance careers underrepresented


Summary: Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to the meaning of economic hardship under the Federal Family Education Loan or Perkins Loan and related loan insurance programs. Considers borrowers under such programs to be suffering economic hardship if they are working full-time, have a federal educational debt burden equal to at least 20% of their adjusted gross income, and the difference between their adjusted gross income minus such debt burden is less than 220% of the greater of: (1) the annual earnings of an minimum wage earner; or (2) 150% of the poverty line applicable to their family size.

amends higher education act respect meaning economic hardship federal_family_education_loan perkins_loan related loan insurance programs considers borrowers programs suffering economic hardship working time federal educational debt burden equal adjusted gross income difference adjusted gross income minus debt burden greater annual earnings minimum wage poverty line applicable family size


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to include within the exclusion from gross income for qualified scholarship amounts allowances for room, board, and special needs services at institutions of higher education.

amends internal revenue code include exclusion gross income qualified scholarship amounts allowances room board special needs services institutions higher education


Summary: Veterans Self-Employment Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a five-year pilot project to test the feasibility and advisability of the use of educational assistance under certain programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to pay for training costs associated with the purchase of a franchise enterprise. Prohibits the use of such assistance unless: (1) training is required and provided in connection with the purchase and operation of a franchise; and (2) such training, and the training entity, are approved by the Secretary. Provides training and entity approval requirements.

directs secretary veterans_affairs conduct year pilot project test feasibility advisability use educational assistance certain programs department_of_veterans_affairs pay training costs associated purchase franchise enterprise prohibits use assistance training required provided connection purchase operation franchise training training entity approved secretary provides training entity approval requirements


Summary: Securing Success for Veterans on Campus Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to award three-year grants to institutions of higher education to develop model programs that require each grantee to establish a campus Center of Excellence for Veteran Student Success that provides a single point of contact for the coordination of comprehensive support services for students who are veterans. Requires the Secretary to develop an evaluation and accountability plan for measuring the effect such programs have on veterans' success in postsecondary education.

securing success veterans campus act amends higher education act direct secretary education award year grants institutions higher education develop model programs require grantee establish campus center_of_excellence veteran student success provides single point contact coordination comprehensive support services students veterans requires secretary develop evaluation accountability plan measuring effect programs veterans success postsecondary education


Summary: Removing Impediments to Students Education Act or the RISE Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to repeal a provision which makes persons convicted of drug offenses ineligible to receive federal student financial assistance for specified periods.

removing impediments students education act rise act amends higher education act repeal provision makes persons convicted drug offenses ineligible receive federal student financial assistance specified periods


Summary: Makes emergency appropriations for FY2008 for state and local law enforcement assistance under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program.

makes emergency appropriations fy2008 state local law enforcement assistance edward_byrne_memorial_justice assistance grant program


Summary: Montgomery GI Bill Educational Assistance Transferability Act of 2008 - Amends the Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance program to authorize the Secretary of the military department concerned to permit any member of the Armed Forces (currently, only members with critical military skills) entitled to basic educational assistance to elect to transfer a portion of such assistance to one or more dependents. Removes the 18-month limitation on the number of months of entitlement authorized to be transferred. Provides similar eligibility for the transfer of educational assistance for members of the Selected Reserve who have completed at least six years of service and enter into an agreement to remain a member of such Reserve for at least four more years.

montgomery bill educational assistance transferability act amends montgomery bill educational assistance program authorize secretary military department concerned permit member armed_forces currently members critical military skills entitled basic educational assistance elect transfer portion assistance dependents removes month limitation number months entitlement authorized transferred provides similar eligibility transfer educational assistance members selected_reserve completed years service enter agreement remain member reserve years


Summary: Amends Internal Revenue Code provisions relating to the Hope Scholarship tax credit to make certain additional expenses eligible for such credit, including room and board, employment-related expenses, and books, supplies, and equipment.

amends internal revenue code provisions relating hope scholarship tax credit certain additional expenses eligible credit including room board employment related expenses books supplies equipment


Summary: Student Veteran Financial Aid Fairness Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit educational assistance provided under specified benefit programs for veterans and members of the Selected Reserve from being considered in analyses of their need for assistance under title IV (Student Assistance) of the Act.

student veteran financial aid fairness act amends higher education act prohibit educational assistance provided specified benefit programs veterans members selected_reserve considered analyses need assistance title student assistance act


Summary: Help Kids Save for College Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from the gross income of an employee amounts, up to $500, paid by an employer to a qualified college savings assistance plan for a designated beneficiary.

help kids save college act amends internal revenue code exclude gross income employee amounts paid employer qualified college savings assistance plan designated beneficiary


Summary: National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Sea Grant College Program Act to substitute "extension services" for "advisory services" in the definition of "project." (Sec. 5) Adds regional and national projects as elements of the national sea grant college program. Removes a reference to the sea grant review panel from provisions relating to the administration of the program. Refers to regional or national strategic investments being developed in consultation with the board and with the approval of sea grant colleges and the sea grant institutes. (Current law refers to the approval of the sea grant review panel as well as the colleges and institutes.) Revises the program director's duties. (Sec. 6) Excludes amounts appropriated under provisions relating to graduate ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources fellowships (the Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship Program) from provisions restricting contributions by the Secretary of Commerce to two-thirds of the total cost of sea grant programs and projects. (Sec. 7) Requires that sea grant colleges provide extension services (currently, advisory services). (Sec. 8) Requires that amounts available for fellowships (under provisions relating to graduate and post-graduate fellowships related to ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources), including funds from other federal departments and agencies and appropriated funds, be used only for those fellowships and related administrative costs. (Sec. 9) Redesignates the sea grant review panel as the National Sea Grant Advisory Board and modifies it's duties. (Sec. 10) Authorizes appropriations through FY2014. Modifies requirements regulating the distribution of appropriated amounts exceeding certain amounts appropriated for FY2003.

sec amends program act substitute extension services advisory services definition project sec adds regional national projects elements national sea grant college program removes reference sea grant review panel provisions relating administration program refers regional national strategic investments developed consultation board approval sea grant colleges sea grant institutes current law refers approval sea grant review panel colleges institutes revises program director duties sec excludes amounts appropriated provisions relating graduate ocean coastal great_lakes resources fellowships marine policy fellowship program provisions restricting contributions secretary commerce thirds total cost sea grant programs projects sec requires sea grant colleges provide extension services currently advisory services sec requires amounts available fellowships provisions relating graduate post graduate fellowships related ocean coastal great_lakes resources including funds federal departments agencies appropriated funds fellowships related administrative costs sec redesignates sea grant review panel modifies duties sec authorizes appropriations fy2014 modifies requirements regulating distribution appropriated amounts exceeding certain amounts appropriated fy2003


Summary: Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase, by $2,000, the maximum annual unsubsidized Stafford loan amounts that may be provided to undergraduate students under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program. Sets the aggregate limit on such loans at $31,000 for dependent undergraduates and $57,500 for independent undergraduates. (Sec. 3) Gives parent borrowers of PLUS FFELs the option to defer loan principal repayment for up to six months after the students for whom such loans are borrowed cease to carry at least one-half the normal full-time academic workload. (Sec. 4) Authorizes lenders to determine that borrowers of PLUS FFELs who, between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2009, are no more than 180 days delinquent on their home mortgages, and no more than 89 days delinquent on the repayment of any other debt, meet a specified extenuating circumstances requirement which makes them eligible for such loans despite having an adverse credit history. (Sec. 5) Includes parent borrowers in the FFEL lender-of-last-resort program for borrowers otherwise unable to obtain such loans. Prohibits loans made under the FFEL lender-of-last-resort program from having more favorable terms than other FFELs of the same type. Allows institutions of higher education (IHEs), with the Secretary of Education's approval, to participate in such program until June 30, 2009; thereby requiring guaranty agencies serving as lenders-of-last-resort to make FFELs to student and parent borrowers of such IHEs, until such date, regardless of their ability to otherwise obtain such loans. Allows the Secretary to develop any standards regarding IHE participation in such program that the Secretary considers appropriate, including requirements that IHEs demonstrate: (1) their inability, despite due diligence, to secure eligible lenders' commitment to make loans to a significant number of their students; and (2) that a minimum number or percentage of their students have received rejections from eligible FFEL lenders. Authorizes the Secretary to advance needed funds to guaranty agencies acting as lenders-of-last-resort in such situations. Prohibits lenders-of-last-resort from: (1) offering certain inducements to schools, school employees, prospective borrowers, or other lenders; or (2) marketing loans under the lender-of-last-resort program. Requires the Secretary to provide information to the public and issue reports to Congress regarding such program. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days of this Act's enactment, to review and, if necessary, revise regulations concerning prohibited guaranty agency inducements to eligible lenders to ensure that such agencies do not engage in improper inducements made possible by this Act's expansion of their role as lenders-of-last-resort. Requires the Secretary to report to Congress. (Sec. 6) Authorizes and appropriates sums necessary for advances to guaranty agencies acting as lenders-of-last-resort. (Sec. 7) Gives the Secretary the authority, until July 2009, to purchase, or enter into forward commitments to purchase, FFELs from lenders upon the determination that there is an inadequate availability of loan capital to meet the demand for such loans. Prohibits such loan purchases from resulting in any net cost to the federal government. Requires, the Secretary, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, before any loan purchase is made, to publish a joint notice in the Federal Register that: (1) establishes the terms governing such purchase; and (2) outlines the methodology and factors they will consider in setting a price for such loans that is in the best interest of the country and will result in no net cost to the federal government. Conditions the purchase of such loans on lenders agreeing to use the funds from such purchases to ensure their continued participation in the FFEL program and origination of new FFELs. Allows the Secretary to contract with the lenders whose loans are being purchased for the servicing of such loans, provided such arrangement is in the best interest of borrowers and does not result in costs the federal government would otherwise not incur in servicing such loans. (Sec. 8) Expresses the sense of Congress that the federal financial institutions should consider using available authorities in a timely manner, if needed, to enhance student and family access to federal student loans in a manner that results in no increased costs to taxpayers and in no way delays or limits the Secretary's authority to advance funds to lenders-of-last-resort or purchase FFELs. (Sec. 9) Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a five-year study and report to Congress on the effect increases in FFEL loan limits under this Act and the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 have on the cost of attending college and the use of private educational loans. (Sec. 10) Revises the Academic Competitiveness Grant program to make noncitizen students and students enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an IHE on at least a half-time basis eligible for program grants. (Currently, only U.S. citizens and full-time students may participate.) Reduces the amount of a program grant available to a less than full-time student in the same manner in which Pell Grants are reduced. Relaxes eligibility requirements for the Academic Competitiveness Grants available to Pell Grant-eligible first and second year students to: (1) allow recipients to participate in IHE programs that award a certificate, rather than a degree; (2) include students whose secondary education involved private or home schooling; and (3) include students whose previous IHE enrollment was part of their secondary school studies. Revises eligibility requirements for the SMART Grants available to Pell Grant-eligible third and fourth year students pursuing majors in science, mathematics, technology, engineering, or a critical foreign language. Includes students who attend IHEs that do not allow students to declare a major, if their studies in such subjects are equivalent to those required at schools that permit students to major in such subjects. Includes also any students in the fifth year of an IHE program that requires five full years of coursework for baccalaureate degrees in such subjects. Sets the maximum SMART grant amount at $4,000 for each year of a student's eligibility. (Sec. 11) Makes inapplicable to amendments made by this Act certain rulemaking requirements and the master calendar of actions the Secretary must take regarding student aid.

ensuring continued access student loans act sec amends higher education act increase maximum annual unsubsidized stafford loan amounts provided undergraduate students federal_family_education_loan ffel program sets aggregate limit loans dependent undergraduates independent undergraduates sec gives parent borrowers plus ffels option defer loan principal repayment months students loans borrowed cease carry half normal time academic workload sec authorizes lenders determine borrowers plus ffels january december days delinquent home mortgages days delinquent repayment debt meet specified extenuating circumstances requirement makes eligible loans despite having adverse credit history sec includes parent borrowers ffel lender resort program borrowers unable obtain loans prohibits loans ffel lender resort program having favorable terms ffels type allows institutions higher education ihes secretary education approval participate program june requiring guaranty agencies serving lenders resort ffels student parent borrowers ihes date regardless ability obtain loans allows secretary develop standards ihe participation program secretary considers appropriate including requirements ihes demonstrate inability despite diligence secure eligible lenders commitment loans significant number students minimum number percentage students received rejections eligible ffel lenders authorizes secretary advance needed funds guaranty agencies acting lenders resort situations prohibits lenders resort offering certain inducements schools school employees prospective borrowers lenders marketing loans lender resort program requires secretary provide information public issue reports congress program directs secretary days act enactment review necessary revise regulations concerning prohibited guaranty agency inducements eligible lenders ensure agencies engage improper inducements possible act expansion role lenders resort requires secretary report congress sec authorizes appropriates sums necessary advances guaranty agencies acting lenders resort sec gives secretary authority july purchase enter forward commitments purchase ffels lenders determination inadequate availability loan capital meet demand loans prohibits loan purchases resulting net cost federal government requires secretary secretary treasury director office_of_management_and_budget loan purchase publish joint notice federal_register establishes terms governing purchase outlines methodology factors consider setting price loans best interest country result net cost federal government conditions purchase loans lenders agreeing use funds purchases ensure continued participation ffel program origination new ffels allows secretary contract lenders loans purchased servicing loans provided arrangement best interest borrowers result costs federal government incur servicing loans sec expresses sense congress federal financial institutions consider available authorities timely manner needed enhance student family access federal student loans manner results increased costs taxpayers way delays limits secretary authority advance funds lenders resort purchase ffels sec directs comptroller general conduct year study report congress effect increases ffel loan limits act deficit reduction act cost attending college use private educational loans sec revises academic competitiveness grant program noncitizen students students enrolled accepted enrollment ihe half time basis eligible program grants currently citizens time students participate reduces program grant available time student manner pell_grants reduced eligibility requirements available second year students allow recipients participate ihe programs award certificate degree include students secondary education involved private home schooling include students previous ihe enrollment secondary school studies revises eligibility requirements smart grants available fourth year students pursuing majors science mathematics technology engineering critical foreign language includes students attend ihes allow students declare major studies subjects equivalent required schools permit students major subjects includes students fifth year ihe program requires years coursework baccalaureate degrees subjects sets maximum smart grant year student eligibility sec makes inapplicable amendments act certain rulemaking requirements master calendar actions secretary student aid


Summary: Emergency Student Loan Market Liquidity Act - Amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to allow federal home loan banks to: (1) invest surplus funds in student loan securities; (2) accept student loans and student loan-related securities as collateral; and (3) provide secured long-term advances to member banks so that they can finance the origination of student loans or purchase or finance student loan-related securities. Limits the application of this Act to Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) made under the Higher Education Act of 1965. Makes the banks' authority effective for investments and advances made between February 1, 2008, and two years after this Act's enactment.

emergency student loan market liquidity act amends federal_home_loan_bank act allow federal home loan banks invest surplus funds student loan securities accept student loans student loan related securities collateral provide secured long term advances member banks finance origination student loans purchase finance student loan related securities limits application act federal_family_education_loans ffels higher education act makes banks authority effective investments advances february years act enactment


Summary: Virginia Tech Victims Campus Emergency Response Policy and Notification Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require schools participating in title IV student assistance programs to include current campus policies regarding immediate emergency response and evacuation procedures in their required annual security reports to current and prospective students and staff. Requires such procedures to include: (1) notifying students and staff within 30 minutes after confirmation that an emergency exists on campus or public property; and (2) testing such procedures annually.

higher education act require schools participating title student assistance programs include current campus policies immediate emergency response evacuation procedures required annual security reports current prospective students staff requires procedures include notifying students staff minutes confirmation emergency exists campus public property testing procedures annually


Summary: Teaching and Research Assistant Collective Bargaining Rights Act - Amends the National Labor Relations Act to provide collective bargaining rights for students enrolled at a private institution of higher education who perform work for remuneration at the institution's direction, regardless of whether the work relates to their courses of study (teaching and research assistants).

teaching research assistant collective bargaining rights act amends national_labor_relations_act provide collective bargaining rights students enrolled private institution higher education perform work remuneration institution direction regardless work relates courses study teaching research assistants


Summary: Student Loan Access Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Federal Financing Bank, until July 1, 2009, to: (1) purchase guaranteed loans originated under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program of the Higher Education Act of 1965, or participation interests in such loans; (2) advance funds to eligible lenders for the purpose of originating or purchasing FFELs; and (3) invest in securities collateralized with FFELs. Prohibits such FFEL purchases from resulting in any net cost to the federal government. Permits the Secretary of the Treasury to extend the Bank's authority to take such actions beyond July 1, 2009, if economic conditions threaten timely, uninterrupted access to student loans.

authorizes july purchase guaranteed loans originated federal_family_education_loan ffel program higher education act participation interests loans advance funds eligible lenders purpose originating purchasing ffels invest securities collateralized ffels prohibits ffel purchases resulting net cost federal government permits secretary treasury extend bank authority actions july economic conditions threaten timely uninterrupted access student loans


Summary: Montgomery GI Bill Degree Extension Act of 2008 - Extends the time limitation (generally ten years from the original eligibility date) for the use of educational assistance under the Montgomery GI Bill all-volunteer force educational assistance program, in the case of an individual who has completed at least 50% of the credit or time requirements leading to a degree or certificate before the last day of the ten-year period, to the earlier of: (1) the date on which the individual completes such requirements; or (2) two years after the last day of the ten-year period.

montgomery bill degree extension act extends time limitation generally years original eligibility date use educational assistance montgomery bill volunteer force educational assistance program case individual completed credit time requirements leading degree certificate day year period earlier date individual completes requirements years day year period


Summary: Amends provisions authorizing educational loan repayment in exchange for service as a health professional in the Selected Reserved of an armed force and determined to be needed critically in order to meet identified wartime combat medical skill shortages to limit payment amounts to $60,000 (currently, $20,000) per year of service. Eliminates provisions limiting the total amount that may be repaid on behalf of any person to $50,000.

amends provisions authorizing educational loan repayment exchange service health professional selected reserved armed force determined needed critically order meet identified wartime combat medical skill shortages limit payment amounts currently year service eliminates provisions limiting total repaid behalf person


Summary: Lifelong Learning Accounts Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) establish tax-exempt lifelong learning accounts to pay certain educational expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and information technology devices; (2) allow individuals between age 18 and 71 a tax credit for cash contributions to their lifelong learning accounts; and (3) allow employers a tax credit for contributions made to the lifelong learning accounts of their employees and for administrative costs associated with small employer lifelong learning accounts.

amends internal revenue code establish tax exempt lifelong learning accounts pay certain educational expenses including tuition fees books supplies information technology devices allow individuals age tax credit cash contributions lifelong learning accounts allow employers tax credit contributions lifelong learning accounts employees administrative costs associated small employer lifelong learning accounts


Summary: Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to include among those aliens not subject to worldwide numerical immigrant limitations persons who have earned a master's or higher degree from a U.S. institution of higher education in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics and who have an employment offer from a U.S. employer in a field related to such degree.

amends immigration nationality act include aliens subject worldwide numerical immigrant limitations persons earned master higher degree institution higher education science technology engineering mathematics employment offer employer field related degree


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Energy to award at least 65 four-year grants per year to undergraduate institutions to fund scholarships for students majoring in nuclear science or nuclear engineering. Requires the Secretary to provide Congress with recommendations for developing a robust nuclear workforce in this country.

directs secretary energy award year grants year undergraduate institutions fund scholarships students nuclear science nuclear engineering requires secretary provide congress recommendations developing robust nuclear workforce country


Summary: Teacher Education Assistance Creating Hope for Our Future Act of 2008 or the TEACH for Our Future Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to expand the loan forgiveness available to public elementary and secondary school teachers under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) and Direct Loan (DL) programs. Makes inapplicable to public school teachers the requirements limiting loan forgiveness to: (1) new borrowers on or after October 1, 1998; and (2) highly qualified teachers in certain schools that serve a high proportion of disadvantaged students. Maintains the requirement that such teachers teach full-time for five consecutive complete school years before becoming eligible for loan forgiveness. Raises to $25,000 the amount of the FFEL or DL outstanding that may be forgiven after a public school teacher's fifth complete school year of teaching. Maintains current loan forgiveness eligibility requirements for private elementary and secondary school teachers.

teacher education assistance creating hope future act teach future act amends higher education act expand loan forgiveness available public elementary secondary school teachers federal_family_education_loan ffel direct_loan programs makes inapplicable public school teachers requirements limiting loan forgiveness new borrowers october highly qualified teachers certain schools serve high proportion disadvantaged students maintains requirement teachers teach time consecutive complete school years eligible loan forgiveness raises ffel outstanding forgiven public school teacher fifth complete school year teaching maintains current loan forgiveness eligibility requirements private elementary secondary school teachers


Summary: Roosevelt Scholars Act of 2008 - Establishes the Theodore Roosevelt Scholarship Foundation as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Directs the Foundation to award scholarships in an annual nationwide competition to individuals (to be known as "Roosevelt Scholars") who are: (1) enrolled in or seeking admission to accredited full-time graduate studies that prepare such individuals for occupations that are critical to the missions of federal agencies; and (2) nominated by persons that have direct knowledge of their academic or work experience. Sets the maximum scholarship amount at $60,000 for each of up to five academic years, covering tuition, room and board, books, and fees. Requires Roosevelt Scholars to: (1) agree to serve in the federal government for a period of years equal to the number of academic years during which they received their scholarship; (2) complete a federal internship related to their studies while earning their degree; (3) participate in certain extracurricular activities designed to assist their pursuit of federal careers and development of leadership qualities; and (4) serve as sources of information regarding federal employment opportunities. Establishes the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund consisting of appropriations and gifts for such scholarships. Sets forth additional duties of the Foundation, including the creation of an online directory of all federal scholarship opportunities available to individuals pursuing federal employment and an online directory of current occupations critical to the missions of federal agencies.

establishes roosevelt scholarship foundation independent establishment executive branch directs foundation award scholarships annual nationwide competition individuals known roosevelt scholars enrolled seeking admission accredited time graduate studies prepare individuals occupations critical missions federal agencies nominated persons direct knowledge academic work experience sets maximum scholarship academic years covering tuition room board books fees agree serve federal government period years equal number academic years received scholarship complete federal internship related studies earning degree participate certain extracurricular activities designed assist pursuit federal careers development leadership qualities serve sources information federal employment opportunities establishes consisting appropriations gifts scholarships sets forth additional duties foundation including creation online directory federal scholarship opportunities available individuals pursuing federal employment online directory current occupations critical missions federal agencies


Summary: Pilot College Work Study Programs for Veterans Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to conduct a five-year pilot project to test the feasibility and advisability of expanding the scope of qualifying veterans' work-study activities, including positions available on site at educational institutions.

veterans act directs secretary veterans_affairs conduct year pilot project test feasibility advisability expanding scope qualifying veterans work study activities including positions available site educational institutions


Summary: Communities Committed to College Tax Credit Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow a tax credit for 50% of any contribution to a tax-exempt scholarship funding trust established to provide scholarships for individuals with demonstrated financial need to attend institutions of higher education.

amends internal revenue code allow tax credit contribution tax exempt scholarship funding trust established provide scholarships individuals demonstrated financial need attend institutions higher education


Summary: Vietnam Education Foundation Amendments Act of 2008 - Establishes the Vietnam Education Foundation within the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State. (Under current law the Foundation is an independent establishment of the executive branch.) Establishes the Vietnam Education Foundation Advisory Committee in lieu of the current Board of Directors. Gives fellowship priority to basic science studies. Authorizes the Secretary of State, through the Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs, to award grants to institutions of higher education for a partnership with the government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to establish an undergraduate American Research College in Vietnam.

establishes current law foundation independent establishment executive branch establishes lieu current board_of_directors gives fellowship priority basic science studies authorizes secretary state assistant secretary award grants institutions higher education partnership government vietnam establish undergraduate vietnam


Summary: Preventing Student Loan Discrimination Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit lenders under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program from receiving special allowance payments (made to such lenders to compensate them for the difference between FFEL interest rates and market rates) if they deny FFELs to eligible borrowers because of their education program length or attendance at a particular school participating in the FFEL program.

preventing student loan discrimination act amends higher education act prohibit lenders federal_family_education_loan ffel program receiving special allowance payments lenders compensate difference ffel interest rates market rates deny ffels eligible borrowers education program length attendance particular school participating ffel program


Summary: Student Voter Opportunity To Encourage Registration Act of 2008 or the Student VOTER Act of 2008 - Amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require states to designate federally-funded institutions of higher education as agencies for the registration of voters in federal elections. Requires such schools to provide mail voter registration application forms to students registering to enroll in their courses.

encourage registration act student voter act amends national voter registration act require states designate federally funded institutions higher education agencies registration voters federal elections requires schools provide mail voter registration application forms students registering enroll courses


Summary: Center to Advance, Monitor, and Preserve University Security Safety Act of 2008, or the CAMPUS Safety Act of 2008 - Amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to authorize the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services to establish and operate a National Center for Campus Public Safety. Tasks the Center with strengthening the safety and security of institutions of higher education (IHEs) by: (1) training IHE public safety agencies and their collaborative partners; (2) fostering safety-related research; (3) collecting, coordinating, and disseminating information and best practices regarding campus safety; (4) developing protocols to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from, natural and man-made emergencies that threaten the campus community; and (5) increasing cooperation between IHEs and the law enforcement, mental health, and other agencies and jurisdictions that serve them. Authorizes the Director to award grants to IHEs and other nonprofit organizations for activities that will assist the Center in performing its functions. Requires the Director to coordinate the establishment and operation of the Center with campus public safety resources available within the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Education. Authorizes appropriations for the Center from FY2009-FY2013.

center advance monitor preserve_university_security_safety_act campus safety act amends omnibus_crime_control_and_safe_streets_act authorize director office_of_community_oriented_policing_services establish operate national_center_for_campus_public_safety tasks center strengthening safety security institutions higher education ihes training ihe public safety agencies collaborative partners fostering safety related research collecting coordinating disseminating information best practices campus safety developing protocols prevent protect respond recover natural man emergencies threaten campus community increasing cooperation ihes law enforcement mental health agencies jurisdictions serve authorizes director award grants ihes nonprofit organizations activities assist center performing functions requires director coordinate establishment operation center campus public safety resources available department_of_homeland_security department_of_education authorizes appropriations center fy2009 fy2013


Summary: Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend by one year, from July 2009 to July 2010, the Secretary of Education's authority to purchase, or enter into forward commitments to purchase, Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) from lenders upon the determination that there is an inadequate availability of loan capital to meet the demand for such loans. Extends by one year, from June 30, 2009 to June 30, 2010, the authority of institutions of higher education (IHEs), with the Secretary's approval, to participate in the FFEL lender-of-last-resort program for borrowers otherwise unable to obtain such loans; thereby requiring guaranty agencies serving as lenders-of-last-resort to make FFELs to student and parent borrowers of such IHEs, until such date, regardless of their ability to otherwise obtain such loans.

amends higher education act extend year july july secretary education authority purchase enter forward commitments purchase federal_family_education_loans ffels lenders determination inadequate availability loan capital meet demand loans extends year june june authority institutions higher education ihes secretary approval participate ffel lender resort program borrowers unable obtain loans requiring guaranty agencies serving lenders resort ffels student parent borrowers ihes date regardless ability obtain loans


Summary: Fast Track to College Act of 2008 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award matching six-year grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) that partner with institutions of higher education (IHEs) to establish or support dual enrollment programs, such as early college high schools, that allow high school students to simultaneously earn credit toward a high school diploma and a postsecondary degree or certificate. Gives grant priority to applicants: (1) that propose to establish or support a dual enrollment program for a student body at least 40% of which is impoverished; and (2) from states that provide assistance to dual enrollment programs, such as assistance defraying the costs of higher education. Requires applicants to make assurances that students will not be required to pay tuition or fees for postsecondary courses, and that those courses will be taught by faculty that meet their partner IHE's normal standards. Authorizes the Secretary to award six-year grants to states to: (1) plan and implement statewide strategies to make dual enrollment programs more accessible to students who are underrepresented in postsecondary education; and (2) provide technical assistance to local dual enrollment programs. Directs the Secretary to: (1) contract for an independent evaluation of this Act's programs; and (2) provide technical assistance to LEAs and their partners, and disseminate information concerning best practices in dual enrollment programs.

fast track college act authorizes secretary education award matching year grants local educational agencies leas partner institutions higher education ihes establish support dual enrollment programs early college high schools allow high school students simultaneously earn credit high school diploma postsecondary degree certificate gives grant priority applicants propose establish support dual enrollment program student body impoverished states provide assistance dual enrollment programs assistance defraying costs higher education requires applicants assurances students required pay tuition fees postsecondary courses courses taught faculty meet partner ihe normal standards authorizes secretary award year grants states plan implement statewide strategies dual enrollment programs accessible students underrepresented postsecondary education provide technical assistance local dual enrollment programs directs secretary contract independent evaluation act programs provide technical assistance leas partners disseminate information concerning best practices dual enrollment programs


Summary: Fair Funding for Upward Bound Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to clarify the procedures for awarding grants and contracts under the TRIO program (which prepares disadvantaged students for postsecondary education and provides them with support services) by: (1) prohibiting an applicant from receiving a lower score for omitting application information or assurances not required in the guidance issued by the Secretary of Education; and (2) requiring the method for weighing an applicant's prior experience to be consistent for each program year. Directs the Secretary to: (1) notify applicants of any changes in the procedures for awarding TRIO grants and contracts at least 30 days before implementing them, provided such notice was not included in the guidance issued by the Secretary; and (2) annually notify each applicant of its peer review score for prior experience.

fair funding upward bound act amends higher education act clarify procedures awarding grants contracts trio program prepares disadvantaged students postsecondary education provides support services prohibiting applicant receiving lower score application information assurances required guidance issued secretary education requiring method weighing applicant prior experience consistent program year directs secretary notify applicants changes procedures awarding trio grants contracts days implementing provided notice included guidance issued secretary annually notify applicant peer review score prior experience


Summary: Middle Class College Tuition Tax Credit Expansion Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning tax credits with a tax credit for 50% of qualified tuition and related expenses (including required books), up to $10,000, for attendance at an institution of higher education.

middle class college tuition tax credit expansion act amends internal revenue code replace hope scholarship lifetime_learning tax credits tax credit qualified tuition related expenses including required books attendance institution higher education


Summary: Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to make technical corrections to the Ensuring Continued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008. Clarifies the Secretary of Education's authority to purchase, or enter into and fund forward commitments to purchase, until July 2010, Federal Family Education Loans (FFELs) from lenders when there is an inadequate availability of loan capital to meet the demand for such loans. Includes, within such purchase authority, FFELs that qualify for loan rehabilitation under the Default Reduction program. Conditions the Secretary's purchase or forward commitment to purchase FFELs on lender agreement to originate or purchase new FFELs. (Currently, they are required to use the funds from such purchases to engage in such activities.) Requires the Secretary to contract with the current servicers of FFELs the Secretary is purchasing for the continued servicing of such loans, provided certain conditions are met. (Currently, the Secretary is authorized to enter into servicing agreements with willing lenders whose loans are being purchased.)

amends higher education act technical corrections clarifies secretary education authority purchase enter fund forward commitments purchase july federal_family_education_loans ffels lenders inadequate availability loan capital meet demand loans includes purchase authority ffels qualify loan rehabilitation program conditions secretary purchase forward commitment purchase ffels lender agreement originate purchase new ffels currently required use funds purchases engage activities requires secretary contract current servicers ffels secretary purchasing continued servicing loans provided certain conditions met currently secretary authorized enter servicing agreements willing lenders loans purchased


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income discharges of student loan indebtedness based on repayments which are income contingent or income based.

amends internal revenue code exclude gross income discharges student loan indebtedness based repayments income contingent income based


Summary: Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require public institutions of higher education participating in student aid programs to charge dependent children of members of the Armed Forces a tuition rate equal to the rate for in-state residents. Applies such tuition rate throughout the program of study for which a student is enrolled, even if the student's parent becomes a former member of the Armed Forces before the completion of studies.

amends higher education act require public institutions higher education participating student aid programs charge dependent children members armed_forces tuition rate equal rate state residents applies tuition rate program study student enrolled student parent member armed_forces completion studies


Summary: Supporting Mentors, Supporting Our Youth Act of 2008 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide student loan forgiveness or cancellation under the Federal Family Education Loan or Direct Loan programs to student borrowers at institutions of higher education who volunteer to mentor an at-risk child for a period of at least one year. Provides $10 of loan forgiveness or cancellation for each hour of mentoring, but limits such forgiveness or cancellation to no more than $10,000 and no more than five years of mentoring for each borrower.

amends higher education act provide student loan forgiveness cancellation federal_family_education_loan direct_loan programs student borrowers institutions higher education volunteer mentor risk child period year provides loan forgiveness cancellation hour mentoring limits forgiveness cancellation years mentoring borrower


Summary: Stopping Trained in America Ph.D.s From Leaving the Economy Act of 2008 or the STAPLE Act - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to exempt from: (1) direct numerical limitations aliens who have earned a Ph.D. degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics from a U.S. institution of higher education and who have an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to such degree; and (2) H-1B visa (specialty occupation) numerical limitations aliens who have earned a Ph.D. degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics from a U.S. institution of higher education and with respect to whom the petitioning employer requires such education as an employment condition.

stopping trained america leaving economy act staple act amends immigration nationality act exempt direct numerical limitations aliens earned degree science technology engineering mathematics institution higher education offer employment employer field related degree h-1b visa specialty occupation numerical limitations aliens earned degree science technology engineering mathematics institution higher education respect petitioning employer requires education employment condition


Summary: Citizens' Commission on Educational Equity Act of 2008 - Establishes the Citizens' Commission on Educational Equity, composed of the Secretary of Education and 14 educational stakeholders appointed by the Comptroller General. Tasks the Commission with conducting a study and reporting to Congress on ways to enable all students to achieve their academic potential, with particular emphasis on: (1) ensuring that schools receive adequate resources; (2) developing methods for assessing students' educational needs; and (3) creating innovative strategies for state and local educational agencies to follow to enable students to achieve their academic potential, and to enable such agencies to participate in school funding reform efforts that result in educational equity. Directs the Commission to conduct outreach programs with communities throughout the nation to engage them in a public dialogue on how to ensure that their schools enable all students to achieve their academic potential.

educational equity act establishes composed secretary education educational stakeholders appointed comptroller_general tasks commission conducting study reporting congress ways enable students achieve academic potential particular emphasis ensuring schools receive adequate resources developing methods assessing students educational needs creating innovative strategies state local educational agencies follow enable students achieve academic potential enable agencies participate school funding reform efforts result educational equity directs commission conduct outreach programs communities nation engage public dialogue ensure schools enable students achieve academic potential


Summary: College Opportunity Act of 2007 - Declares the sense of Congress that the Congress should enact, and the President sign, measures that make college more affordable by increasing Pell Grants and providing more favorable student loans and other benefits.

college opportunity act declares sense congress congress enact president sign measures college affordable increasing pell_grants providing favorable student loans benefits


Summary: Export Products Not Jobs Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) revise rules and definitions relating to the taxation of controlled foreign corporations to limit deferral of tax for certain types of income earned overseas; (2) treat certain foreign corporations managed and controlled in the United States as domestic corporations for income tax purposes; (3) define "economic substance" for purposes of evaluating tax shelter transactions; (4) impose a penalty for underpayments of tax resulting from transactions lacking in economic substance; (5) deny a tax deduction for interest on such underpayments; and (6) eliminate the 35% income tax rate on corporations and personal service corporations.

export products jobs act amends internal revenue code revise rules definitions relating taxation controlled foreign corporations limit deferral tax certain types income earned overseas treat certain foreign corporations managed controlled united_states domestic corporations income tax purposes define economic substance purposes evaluating tax shelter transactions impose penalty underpayments tax resulting transactions lacking economic substance deny tax deduction interest underpayments eliminate income tax rate corporations personal service corporations


Summary: College Opportunity Tax Credit Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to replace the Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits with an increased, partially refundable college opportunity tax credit to cover up to four years (currently, limited to two years) of the tuition and related expenses of full or part-time postsecondary and graduate students.

college opportunity tax credit act amends internal revenue code replace hope scholarship increased partially refundable college opportunity tax credit cover years currently limited years tuition related expenses time postsecondary graduate students


Summary: Summer Term Education Programs for Upward Performance Act of 2007, or the STEP UP Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Education to make competitive demonstration grants to state educational agencies to pay the federal share of summer learning grants for eligible students to be summer scholars in summer learning opportunity programs primarily designed to increase the literacy and numeracy of such students.

performance act step act directs secretary education competitive demonstration grants state educational agencies pay federal share summer learning grants eligible students summer scholars summer learning opportunity programs primarily designed increase literacy students


Summary: College Savings Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) increase the maximum annual contribution limit for Coverdell education savings accounts from $2,000 to $5,000 and make such increase permanent; and (2) allow a tax deduction up to $5,000 for contributions to an education savings account.

college savings act amends internal revenue code increase maximum annual contribution limit coverdell education savings accounts increase permanent allow tax deduction contributions education savings account


Summary: Education Savings for Students Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the maximum annual contribution limit for Coverdell education savings accounts from $2,000 to $5,000 and make such increase permanent.

students act amends internal revenue code increase maximum annual contribution limit coverdell education savings accounts increase permanent


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to the University of Hawaii Academy for Creative Media for the establishment, maintenance, and periodic modernization of the Henry Kuualoha Giugni Kupuna Memorial Archives at the University of Hawaii. Requires the Archives to use grant funds for: (1) facilities and equipment to house and provide computer and web access to a repository of Native Hawaiian historical data; (2) scholarships to assist disadvantaged students in attending college; (3) the creation of educational materials from the archives that are applicable to a broad range of indigenous students; (4) outreach to elementary and secondary school students; (5) teacher training, so that the teaching of kindergarten through grade 12 students is culturally congruent with the learning modalities of such students, particularly indigenous students; and (6) the enhancement of the economic and financial literacy of college students.

authorizes secretary education award grant establishment maintenance periodic modernization henry requires archives use grant funds facilities equipment house provide computer web access repository native hawaiian historical data scholarships assist disadvantaged students attending college creation educational materials archives applicable broad range indigenous students outreach elementary secondary school students teacher training teaching kindergarten grade students culturally learning modalities students particularly indigenous students enhancement economic financial literacy college students


Summary: College Student Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to phase-in cuts in the interest rate charged undergraduate student borrowers of subsidized loans under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) program, thereby reducing such rate from 6.8% in July 2006 to 3.4% in July 2011.

college student relief act amends higher education act phase cuts interest rate charged undergraduate student borrowers subsidized loans federal_family_education_loan ffel program reducing rate july july


Summary: Nontraditional Student Success Act - Authorizes and appropriates specified funds for Federal Pell grants under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA). Increases yearly maximum grant amounts and revises requirements for the allowance of two Pell grants during a single award year. Requires the Secretary to publish annually in the Federal Register a revised table of income protection allowances. Excludes the earned income tax credit (EITC) from financial aid determinations. Authorizes the Secretary to select institutions of higher education for a Nontraditional Students Demonstration Program to test the effectiveness of providing expanded financial assistance to less than half-time students and students in compressed, modular, or other alternative schedules. Directs the Secretary to award competitive grants to eligible institutions to improve remedial education. Increases minimum grant amounts for the Federal TRIO programs. Permits student support services and educational opportunity centers to include career and academic (as well as personal) counseling. Makes awards under the Early Intervention and College Awareness Program for six years. Revises requirements for and reauthorizes the Program. Reauthorizes the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program of campus-based child care services for low-income parents in postsecondary education. Directs the Secretary to establish a website and brochures for providing outreach about financial aid and education tax credits that targets employers, one-stop centers, Head Start centers, and other appropriate locations. Increases the activities for which grants to Hispanic-serving institutions, as well as grants from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, may be used. Revises requirements for Special Programs for Students Whose Families Are Engaged in Migrant and Seasonal Farmwork. Reauthorizes the high school equivalency and the college assistance migrant programs. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the percentage Lifetime Learning income tax credit for qualified higher education expenses, but reduce the maximum annual dollar amount. Makes a portion of the credit refundable. Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program for making advance payments of such credits to eligible institutions on behalf of certified individuals.

nontraditional student success act authorizes appropriates specified funds grants higher education act hea increases yearly maximum grant amounts revises requirements allowance pell grants single award year requires secretary publish annually federal_register revised table income protection allowances excludes earned income tax credit eitc financial aid determinations authorizes secretary select institutions higher education test effectiveness providing expanded financial assistance half time students students compressed modular alternative schedules directs secretary award competitive grants eligible institutions improve remedial education increases minimum grant amounts federal trio programs permits student support services educational opportunity centers include career academic personal counseling makes awards early intervention college awareness program years revises requirements reauthorizes program reauthorizes child care access means parents school program campus based child care services low income parents postsecondary education directs secretary establish website providing outreach financial aid education tax credits targets employers stop centers head start centers appropriate locations increases activities grants hispanic serving institutions grants fund_for_the_improvement_of_postsecondary_education revises requirements special programs students families engaged migrant seasonal reauthorizes high school equivalency college assistance migrant programs amends internal revenue code increase percentage lifetime_learning income tax credit qualified higher education expenses reduce maximum annual dollar makes portion credit refundable directs secretary treasury establish program making advance payments credits eligible institutions behalf certified individuals


Summary: Disabled Veterans Tax Fairness Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow members of the uniformed services whose retired pay in any taxable year is reduced due to an award of disability compensation by the Department of Veterans Affairs an extension of the three-year limitation period for filing tax refund claims until one year after the date of a disability determination. Limits the period for which such refund claims may be filed to taxable years beginning less than five years before the date of a disability determination.

disabled veterans tax fairness act amends internal revenue code allow members uniformed services retired pay taxable year reduced award disability compensation department_of_veterans_affairs extension year limitation period filing tax refund claims year date disability determination limits period refund claims filed taxable years beginning years date disability determination


Summary: Student Debt Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend the Pell Grant program through FY2012 and increase yearly maximum Pell grant amounts. Authorizes and appropriates specified additional annual funding for such grants. Requires the Secretary of Education to provide institutions of higher education Student Aid Reward Payments for participating in the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) or Direct Loan (DL) program most cost-effective for taxpayers. Phases-in cuts to the interest rates charged undergraduate student borrowers under the FFEL and DL programs, thereby reducing such rate from 6.8% in July 2006 to 3.4% in July 2011. Directs the Secretary to forgive the balance due on DLs and direct consolidation loans by individuals who have been public sector employees for 10 years and have made 120 income contingent payments on such loans. Caps FFEL and DL repayments by student borrowers at no more than 15% of the amount a borrower's adjusted gross income exceeds 150% of the poverty line. Requires the Secretary to cancel or repay such loans after 25 years. Eliminates the three-year limit on the deferral of FFELs, DLs, and Perkins loans when borrowers are suffering economic hardship, redefined to include borrowers whose full-time earnings do not exceed 150% of the poverty line. Includes such deferral periods, as well as the months a borrower's FFEL or DL payments are capped, in calculating the maximum period an income contingent repayment plan may be in effect for a non-defaulting borrower. Allows students to consolidate loans under the FFEL program while still in school. Reduces DL origination fees. Sets limits on funds available for administrative expenses under the FFEL and DL programs for FY2007-FY2012. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to increase the deduction for higher education expenses and make it permanent. Establishes a tax credit for student loan interest payments.

student debt relief act amends higher education act extend pell grant program fy2012 increase yearly maximum pell grant amounts authorizes appropriates specified additional annual funding grants requires secretary education provide institutions higher education participating federal_family_education_loan ffel direct_loan program cost effective taxpayers phases cuts interest rates charged undergraduate student borrowers ffel programs reducing rate july july directs secretary forgive balance dls direct consolidation loans individuals public sector employees years income contingent payments loans caps ffel repayments student borrowers borrower adjusted gross income exceeds poverty line requires secretary cancel repay loans years eliminates year limit deferral ffels dls perkins loans borrowers suffering economic hardship include borrowers time earnings exceed poverty line includes deferral periods months borrower ffel payments capped calculating maximum period income contingent repayment plan effect non defaulting borrower allows students consolidate loans ffel program school reduces origination fees sets limits funds available administrative expenses ffel programs fy2007 fy2012 amends internal revenue code increase deduction higher education expenses permanent establishes tax credit student loan interest payments


Summary: Improving Access to Higher Education Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the maximum Pell Grant award to $5,100 for the 2007-2008 academic year. Raises the minimum Pell Grant award from $400 to $500. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to raise: (1) the maximum student loan interest deduction to $3,750; and (2) the modified adjusted gross income level where such deduction begins to be phased-out. Exempts from the sunset provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA): (1) the elimination of the 60-month limit on the period of such deduction; and (2) the increase in the income limitation on such deduction. Increases the maximum annual contribution limit for Coverdell education savings accounts from $2,000 to $3,000, and makes such increase permanent. Repeals the EGTRRA sunset on the tax exclusion of employer-provided educational assistance.

improving access higher education act amends higher education act increase maximum pell_grant award academic year raises minimum pell_grant award amends internal revenue code raise maximum student loan interest deduction modified adjusted gross income level deduction begins phased exempts sunset provisions economic_growth_and_tax_relief_reconciliation_act egtrra elimination month limit period deduction increase income limitation deduction increases maximum annual contribution limit coverdell education savings accounts makes increase permanent repeals egtrra sunset tax exclusion employer provided educational assistance


Summary: Student Loan Sunshine Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require each lender entering into an educational loan arrangement with a postsecondary school to: (1) report annually to the Secretary of Education specified information concerning such arrangement; (2) inform borrowers of their loan options under title IV (Student Assistance) before extending private educational loans for attendance at such school; and (3) be barred by such school from marketing such loans in a manner implying the school's endorsement. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the adequacy of educational loan information provided to borrowers, including a model format for lender use in providing annual loan information to the Secretary and covered schools. Requires any school that provides prospective borrowers with private educational loan information to: (1) include information on their title IV assistance eligibility; and (2) compare and distinguish private loans from title IV loans. Bars lenders or guarantors of educational loans from offering gifts to school employees or agents. Directs the Comptroller General to study the effect loan arrangements and lender inducements to schools have on loan terms. Imposes conditions on school maintenance of preferred lender lists, requiring that lenders be listed on the basis of the benefits they provide borrowers. Amends the Truth in Lending Act to require lenders of private educational loans to provide specified information to prospective borrowers and, if the loan equals or exceeds $1,000, notify the relevant school of the proposed loan. Requires such schools to notify the prospective borrower whether and to what extent such loan exceeds the student's attendance costs, after considering other assistance the student has or is eligible to receive.

higher education act require lender entering educational loan arrangement postsecondary school report annually secretary education specified information concerning arrangement inform borrowers loan options title student assistance extending private educational loans attendance school barred school marketing loans manner implying school endorsement directs secretary report specified congressional committees adequacy educational loan information provided borrowers including model format lender use providing annual loan information secretary covered schools requires school provides prospective borrowers private educational loan information include information title assistance eligibility compare distinguish private loans title loans bars lenders guarantors educational loans offering gifts school employees agents directs comptroller general study effect loan arrangements lender inducements schools loan terms imposes conditions school maintenance preferred lender lists requiring lenders listed basis benefits provide borrowers amends truth lending act require lenders private educational loans provide specified information prospective borrowers loan equals exceeds notify relevant school proposed loan requires schools notify prospective borrower extent loan exceeds student attendance costs considering assistance student eligible receive


Summary: Veterans Employment and Training Act of 2007 or VET Act - Authorizes the accelerated payment of basic educational assistance under the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) basic educational assistance program for an individual entitled to such assistance who, during the period beginning on October 1, 2007, and ending on September 30, 2011, is enrolled in a VA-approved program of education lasting less than two years that leads to employment in one of the following sectors: (1) transportation; (2) construction; (3) hospitality; or (4) energy.

training act accelerated payment basic educational assistance department_of_veterans_affairs basic educational assistance program individual entitled assistance period beginning october ending september enrolled approved program education lasting years leads employment following sectors transportation construction energy


Summary: Public Land Military Pass Act - Makes the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, as provided in this Act, available at a discount (subject to the same rate of increase as the regular cost of the Pass) to any veterans and active duty and reserve members of the U.S. Armed Forces determined to be eligible for such a discount. Requires the Secretary of the Interior (with respect to federal land management agencies) and the Secretary of Agriculture (with respect to the Forest Service), after consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense, to determine the appropriate documentation that a veteran or an active duty or reserve member shall provide as proof that the veteran or member is eligible for the discount. Makes a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass issued under this Act valid for one year after the date of issuance.

public land military pass act makes national parks federal recreational lands pass provided act available discount subject rate increase regular cost pass veterans active duty reserve members determined eligible discount requires secretary interior respect federal land management agencies secretary agriculture respect forest_service consultation secretary veterans_affairs secretary defense determine appropriate documentation veteran active duty reserve member shall provide proof veteran member eligible discount makes national parks federal recreational lands pass issued act valid year date issuance


Summary: Montgomery GI Bill Enhancement Act of 2007 - Exempts members of the Armed Forces and Selected Reserve on active duty between November 16, 2001, and the termination date of Executive Order 13235 from the mandatory payroll deductions ($100 for the first 12 months of active duty pay) under the veterans' basic educational assistance program. Provides for reimbursement of payroll deductions taken prior to the enactment of this Act. Allows such members to withdraw an election not to receive basic educational assistance.

bill enhancement act exempts members active duty november termination date executive order mandatory payroll deductions months active duty pay veterans basic educational assistance program provides reimbursement payroll deductions taken prior enactment act allows members withdraw election receive basic educational assistance


Summary: Graduate for a Better Future Act - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants to states, educational nonprofit organizations, or partnerships of such entities for their use in providing competitive subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAS) that have a high school graduation rate of no more than 60% in the aggregate or among at least two subgroups consisting of the poor or major racial or ethnic groups. Requires each LEA subgrantee to use the funds to implement: (1) a college-preparatory curriculum aligned with rigorous secondary school studies; (2) accelerated remedial programs that allow underperforming students to become proficient in mathematics, reading and language arts, and science and thereby graduate in a timely manner; (3) systems to measure student progress in the core subjects and quickly identify students who are dropout risks; (4) a comprehensive college guidance program; (5) a program offering students opportunities for work-based and experiential learning; (6) a program providing students with access to courses in which they may earn college credit; (7) a program providing each student with an academic teacher advisor with whom the student regularly meets; and (8) a program of teacher professional development and institutional leadership that includes diagnostic and formative assessments. Requires nonfederal matching contributions equal to the grant amount. Directs the Secretary to provide for an independent evaluation of, and report to Congress on, the impact this program has on high school graduation rates, college attendance rates, and academic achievement.

graduate better future act authorizes secretary education award competitive grants states educational nonprofit organizations partnerships entities use providing competitive subgrants local educational agencies leas high school graduation rate aggregate subgroups consisting poor major racial ethnic groups requires lea subgrantee use funds implement college preparatory curriculum aligned rigorous secondary school studies accelerated remedial programs allow underperforming students proficient mathematics reading language arts science graduate timely manner systems measure student progress core subjects quickly identify students dropout risks comprehensive college guidance program program offering students opportunities work based experiential learning program providing students access courses earn college credit program providing student academic teacher advisor student regularly meets program teacher professional development institutional leadership includes diagnostic assessments requires nonfederal matching contributions equal grant directs secretary provide independent evaluation report congress impact program high school graduation rates college attendance rates academic achievement


Summary: Loan Forgiveness for Head Start Teachers Act of 2007 - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to require the Secretary of Education to assume or cancel loans made under the Federal Family Education Loan or the Direct Loan programs to individuals who have been employed as Head Start teachers for five consecutive complete program years, if they have demonstrated knowledge and teaching skills in reading, writing, early childhood development, and other areas of a preschool curriculum, with a focus on cognitive learning. Limits the benefits of this Act to individuals who earn a baccalaureate or graduate degree on or after the date of this Act's enactment.

loan forgiveness head start teachers act amends higher education act require secretary education assume cancel loans federal_family_education_loan direct loan programs individuals employed head start teachers consecutive complete program years demonstrated knowledge teaching skills reading writing early childhood development areas preschool curriculum focus cognitive learning limits benefits act individuals earn baccalaureate graduate degree date act enactment


Summary: Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to increase the maximum Pell Grant award for academic years 2007-2008 through 2011-2012. Increases such amount to $7,600 for 2007-2008, and by $1,000 increments in each subsequent academic year, until it stands at $11,600 for 2011-2012. Requires a further increase in any such maximum Pell Grant award, by an amount sufficient to achieve a 5% increase in students' purchasing power relative to the cost of attendance at an institution of higher education, if the Secretary of Education determines that the amount authorized does not increase such purchasing power by at least 5% from one academic year to the next.

amends higher education act increase maximum pell_grant award academic years increases increments subsequent academic year stands requires increase maximum pell_grant award sufficient achieve increase students purchasing power relative cost attendance institution higher education secretary education determines authorized increase purchasing power academic year


Summary: Accessing College through Comprehensive Early Outreach and State Partnerships Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to replace the current special leveraging educational assistance partnership program with a program of allotments to enable states to: (1) expand and enhance partnerships with institutions of higher education, early information and intervention, mentoring, or outreach programs, private corporations, philanthropic organizations, and other interested parties to carry out specified activities and provide coordination and cohesion among federal, state, and local governmental and private efforts providing financial assistance to help low-income students attend college; (2) provide need-based grants for college access and increased college persistence to eligible low-income students; (3) provide early notification to low-income students of their eligibility for financial aid; and (4) encourage increased participation in early information and intervention, mentoring, or outreach programs. Requires partnerships for the award of grants between a state agency and: (1) at least one public and one private degree granting institution of higher education located in the state; (2) new or existing early information and intervention, mentoring, or outreach programs also located in the state; and (3) at least one philanthropic organization located in, or providing funding in, the state, or one private corporation located in, or doing business in, the state. Requires different federal shares of program costs and different amounts of grants awarded in partnerships with institutions of higher learning: (1) serving less than a majority of students in the state; and (2) serving the majority of students in the state. Requires annual early notification of low-income students of their potential eligibility for student financial assistance. Prescribes minimum eligibility requirements for such students.

accessing college comprehensive early outreach state partnerships act amends higher education act replace current special leveraging educational assistance partnership program program allotments enable states expand enhance partnerships institutions higher education early information intervention mentoring outreach programs private corporations philanthropic organizations interested parties carry specified activities provide coordination cohesion federal state local governmental private efforts providing financial assistance help low income students attend college provide need based grants college access increased college persistence eligible low income students provide early notification low income students eligibility financial aid encourage increased participation early information intervention mentoring outreach programs requires partnerships award grants state agency public private degree granting institution higher education located state new existing early information intervention mentoring outreach programs located state philanthropic organization located providing funding state private corporation located business state requires different federal shares program costs different amounts grants awarded partnerships institutions higher learning serving majority students state serving majority students state requires annual early notification low income students potential eligibility student financial assistance prescribes minimum eligibility requirements students


Summary: Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Act - Establishes the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area in Illinois, which shall include: (1) a core area in central Illinois comprising 42 counties; (2) any sites, buildings, and districts within the core area that are recommended in the management plan; and (3) specified related historic sites, museums, and places, including the Lincoln Tomb State Historic Site, the Lincoln Douglas Debate Museum, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. Directs the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition to submit a management plan for the Area. Authorizes appropriations. Limits the federal cost share of any activity carried out using funds made available under this Act to 50%.

national heritage area act establishes illinois shall include core area central illinois comprising counties sites buildings districts core area recommended management plan specified related historic sites museums places including lincoln tomb state directs looking submit management plan area authorizes appropriations limits federal cost share activity carried funds available act


Summary: Teach for America Act of 2007- Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award a grant to Teach For America, Inc. to implement and expand its program of recruiting, selecting, training, and supporting new teachers. Requires that grant funds be used to provide teachers to local educational agencies that serve a substantial percentage of students eligible for free or reduced price meals under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. Directs the Secretary of Education to provide for a study, at least once every three years, comparing the academic achievement of students taught by teachers assisted by this Act with the academic achievement of students taught by other teachers in the same schools and positions.

teach america act authorizes secretary education award grant implement expand program recruiting selecting training supporting new teachers requires grant funds provide teachers local educational agencies serve substantial percentage students eligible free reduced price meals national school lunch act directs secretary education provide study years comparing academic achievement students taught teachers assisted act academic achievement students taught teachers schools positions


Summary: Vote by Mail Act of 2007 - Directs the Election Assistance Commission to establish a Vote by Mail program of grants to participating states solely for implementation of procedures for the conduct of all elections by mail at the state or local level.Directs the Comptroller General to evaluate and report to Congress on the benefits of broader implementation of mail-in voting in elections.

vote directs election_assistance_commission establish vote mail program grants participating states solely implementation procedures conduct elections mail state local level directs comptroller general evaluate report congress benefits broader implementation mail voting elections


Summary: Generating Opportunity by Forgiving Educational Debt for Service Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to exclude from gross income student loan repayments by the federal government on behalf of federal employees and members of the Armed Forces on active duty. Exempts such repayments from social security taxes.

generating opportunity amends internal revenue code exclude gross income student loan repayments federal government behalf federal employees members armed_forces active duty exempts repayments social security taxes


Summary: Medical Education Affordability Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to revise specified regulations regarding student loan repayment deferment under certain programs of the Higher Education Act of 1965 with respect to borrowers who qualify for such deferment on the basis of economic hardship and are in postgraduate medical or dental internship, residency, or fellowship programs. Revises such regulations to: (1) make such deferment available to such borrowers for the duration of postgraduate medical or dental internship, residency, or fellowship programs if they must be successfully completed to begin work in the profession, or they lead to a degree or certificate from a health professional school or facility that offers postgraduate training; and (2) make it unnecessary for borrowers to apply annually for such deferments while participating in such programs.

medical education affordability act directs secretary education revise specified regulations student loan repayment deferment certain programs higher education act respect borrowers qualify deferment basis economic hardship postgraduate medical dental internship residency fellowship programs revises regulations deferment available borrowers duration postgraduate medical dental internship residency fellowship programs successfully completed begin work profession lead degree certificate health professional school facility offers postgraduate training unnecessary borrowers apply annually deferments participating programs


Summary: Librarian Incentive to Boost Recruitment and Retention in Areas of Need Act of 2007 or the LIBRARIAN Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to permit the cancellation of Federal Perkins Loans for students who perform public service as full-time librarians, if the librarian has a master's degree in library science and is employed in: (1) an elementary school or secondary school that is eligible for assistance under title I (Improving the Academic Achievement of the Disadvantaged) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; or (2) a public library that serves a geographic area that contains one or more schools eligible for assistance under title I of such Act.

areas need act librarian act amends higher education act permit cancellation federal_perkins_loans students perform public service time librarians librarian master degree library science employed elementary school secondary school eligible assistance title improving academic achievement disadvantaged elementary secondary education act public library serves geographic area contains schools eligible assistance title act


Summary: Civil Legal Assistance Attorney Loan Repayment Act - Amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to make payments to holders of student loans under the Federal Family Education Loan, Direct Loan, and Perkins Loan programs on behalf of civil legal assistance attorneys for the duration of agreements between the Secretary and such attorneys that require their continued employment in such capacity for at least three years. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into additional agreements with civil legal assistance attorneys who have completed their service obligation.

higher education act direct secretary education payments holders student loans federal_family_education_loan direct_loan perkins_loan programs behalf civil legal assistance attorneys duration agreements secretary attorneys require continued employment capacity years authorizes secretary enter additional agreements civil legal assistance attorneys completed service obligation


Summary: No Child Left Behind Reform Act - Amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allow states to include measures of individual or cohort growth over time in determining whether students are making adequate yearly progress (AYP) toward state academic performance standards. Eliminates the consideration of student attendance rates. Allows schools to be given credit for performing well on measures other than test scores when calculating student achievement. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive: (1) grants to state educational agencies to develop or increase the capacity of data systems for accountability purposes; and (2) subgrants to increase the capacity of local educational agencies to upgrade, create, or manage information databases for the purpose of measuring AYP. Allows schools to target school choice and supplemental services to the students who are members of specified types of groups that fail to make AYP. Requires placement and service in the least restrictive environment for students who receive services under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act who use an option to transfer under ESEA. Revises the definition of highly qualified teacher to authorize states to: (1) use a generalist exam for middle school teachers; and (2) issue certificates that qualify teachers to teach a number of subjects in social studies or in science.

child left reform act amends elementary secondary education act esea allow states include measures individual cohort growth time determining students making adequate yearly progress ayp state academic performance standards eliminates consideration student attendance rates allows schools given credit performing measures test scores calculating student achievement authorizes secretary education award competitive grants state educational agencies develop increase capacity data systems accountability purposes subgrants increase capacity local educational agencies upgrade create manage information databases purpose measuring ayp allows schools target school choice supplemental services students members specified types groups fail ayp requires placement service restrictive environment students receive services individuals disabilities education act use option transfer esea revises definition highly qualified teacher authorize states use exam middle school teachers issue certificates qualify teachers teach number subjects social studies science