U.S. Senate Approves $1.2 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework and $3.5 Trillion Budget Resolution

On August 10, the U.S. Senate passed the $1.2 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684). The bill makes large investments in public transit, roads and bridges, broadband, and water among other areas. Visit the White House’s fact sheet and Independent Sector’s summary to learn more.

Following passage of the infrastructure package, the Senate agreed to a $3.5 trillion budget resolution along party lines. The House is expected to consider the budget resolution in late August. If approved in the House, the budget resolution would allow Democrats to use special rules to prevent a legislative filibuster in the Senate with the goal of swiftly passing a $3.5 trillion spending plan. For more information on the FY 2022 budget resolution, visit the Senate Democrat’s summary and memorandum.

CASE continues to work closely with our education and nonprofit partners to urge Congress to provide relief to schools, colleges, and universities in legislation that addresses pandemic relief and economic recovery. Specifically, CASE joined efforts led by the American Council on Education and the nonprofit community outlining each sector’s policy priorities for legislation enacted this year, including expanding and extending the universal charitable deduction.

As Congress considers legislation around the infrastructure package and budget resolution, subscribe to the CASE Advocacy Network for the latest news and developments affecting educational advancement.

Nominate Colleagues for the 2021 Service Awards in Government Relations

The Service Awards in State Government Relations—including the Marvin D. "Swede" Johnson Achievement Award and the Edwin Crawford Award for Innovation—honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement, quality, and effectiveness of state relations on behalf of a U.S. higher education institution or state system. The nomination period closes on September 29, 2021.

While recipients for the Marvin D. "Swede" Johnson Achievement Award have a proven track record of accomplishment and long-term responsibility for state relations at their higher education institution or system, the Edwin Crawford Award for Innovation recognizes individuals who are relatively new to the profession and have shown great effort, initiative, and innovation in achieving the legislative goals of their institution or system.

CASE is proud to partner with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU)  on the awards which will be presented at the virtual Higher Education Government Relations Conference (HEGRC) on December 1-3, 2021.

For more information on award eligibility, nomination, and timeline, visit CASE’s Service Awards in State Government Relations page.