In a time of unprecedented federal divestment from college access and affordability, TICAS has continued our longstanding advocacy for a higher education system that works for all students. Our new federal policy tracker, Breaking (F)Ed, is designed to keep you informed and involved in the work ahead. We’ll share breaking news, in-depth analyses, and tools for grassroots advocacy as we work to ensure policymakers are accountable for delivering on the promises they made to students, borrowers, and families across the country.
To stay up-to-date on Breaking (F)Ed and all of TICAS’ work, sign up for our email list here.
ADMIN ACTION
From Executive Orders to regulatory changes at the Department of Education, we're analyzing the administration's approach to higher ed.
TICAS Outlines Strategies for ED to Strengthen Accountability Metrics
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Comment to ED on “Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-Driven Workforce Pell”
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President's Budget Would Put College Further Out of Reach for Many
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With detailed analysis on legislative proposals and follow-up to track the real-time implementation of new laws, we're tracking Congress's impact on students and borrowers.
Joint Statement in Opposition to Legislation to Provide Cover to the Administration’s Illegal Dismantling of the Department of Education
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July 1, 2026: Student Loan Repayment Transition
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The Latest Student Loan News: What Borrowers Need to Know
Learn MoreFEDERAL BUDGET
Budgets reveal our values and priorities—and the federal budget is no exception. We're advocating for the inclusion of programs that support student success and help all Americans who want one pursue a postsecondary credential.
TICAS Statement on FY2027 House Education Funding Proposal
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Federal Budget Cuts Threaten Student Success at Rural Minority-Serving Institutions
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Why Policymakers Should Invest in Basic Needs Resources for Parenting Students
Learn MoreMeet Our Federal Policy Experts
Ellie Bruecker, Ph.D.
Senior Director of ResearchDr. Ellie Bruecker is our Senior Director of Research, leading the Research Team in conducting high-quality data analysis and student-centered research. Ellie is a passionate advocate for equity in higher education and is committed to bridging the gap between research and policy change.
Valerie Crespín-Trujillo, Ph.D.
Senior Director, College Completion and Basic Needs PolicyValerie is a Director, College Completion Policy at TICAS. She leads TICAS' efforts to expand and align state and federal investment with evidence-based student supports that research has demonstrated empower more students to enroll and graduate from college.
Christopher Madaio
Senior Advisor, AccountabilityChristopher J. Madaio works closely with attorneys general, policymakers, and advocates to advance policies that hold institutions accountable and safeguard students’ educational investments.
Deborah Martin
Senior Policy AssociateDeborah Martin serves as a Senior Policy Associate for TICAS' Anti-Poverty and Basic Needs team. She supports TICAS’ efforts to close equity gaps and align anti-poverty goals to strengthen the nation’s workforce.
José Miranda
Senior Director, Federal External AffairsJosé serves as the Senior Director, Federal External Affairs at TICAS, where he leads TICAS’s federal efforts to build a broad coalition of support for its federal policy agenda working with advocates, lawmakers and their staff, and federal agencies to improve the nation’s higher education system.
Erika Roberson
Senior Policy AssociateErika is a senior policy associate supporting TICAS’ anti-poverty and basic needs work. She is particularly passionate about closing opportunity gaps for students from low-income families and those in rural communities, similar to those of her hometown.
