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***Spotlight***

*The Government Is not Shutting Down for Now but the TRIO programs still
need you! *

*Tell us what you are doing to advocate for TRIO and ensure that our
programs receive a $60 Million increase in FY 2016 using hashtag
#TRIOTUESDAY*


*In the News*

Clem Returns as Upward Bound Instructor (*Harlan Daily Enterprise*)
(September 27, 2015) <http://t.congressweb.com/l/?RGNRUAQABLJMMNM>

S-C Upward Bound Students Visit UCM* (The Sedalia Observer*) (September 26,
2015) <http://t.congressweb.com/l/?RGNRUAQABLUUVXC>

NMSU Graduate Wins State TRIO Award (*NM State, KRWG*) (September 25,2015)
<http://t.congressweb.com/l/?RGNRUAQABLENTEM>

Student Support Services Helps First-generation College students
Succeed (*University
News, Appalachian State University*) (September 24, 2015)
<http://t.congressweb.com/l/?RGNRUAQABLVZAAD>

OTC Student Overcoming Obstacles to Focus On Dream (*Springfield
News-Leader*) (September 24, 2015)
<http://t.congressweb.com/l/?RGNRUAQABLNJSBW>

*MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "t.congressweb.com"
claiming to be* First Harkin Awards Honor AmeriCorps Members, Programs
(Bereaonline.com) (September 22, 2015)
<http://t.congressweb.com/l/?RGNRUAQABLAZOTB>

Improving Data on Higher Education (American Enterprise Institute)
(September 22, 2015) <http://t.congressweb.com/l/?RGNRUAQABLNFFRQ>


*Government Relations Update*

On Friday, September 25, 2015, Rep. John Boehner announced he will be
stepping down as the House Speaker at the end of October. The current
Majority Leader, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-23), is the frontrunner to
assume the speakership. In response to Boehner's announcement, an agreement
to pass a clean spending bill to avert a government shutdown has emerged.
Several members of the Freedom Caucus, the conservative wing that
continuously challenged Boehner's leadership, said they will now support a
short-term spending bill or Continuing Resolution (CR) without original
demands to defund Planned Parenthood. (See *Boehner move all but assures no
shutdown* <http://t.congressweb.com/l/?RGNRUAQABLWPNLV>.) Subsequently, the
Senate is expected to pass clean CR that will be affirmed by the House and
sent to the President in time to avoid a shutdown at the end of the fiscal
year (Wednesday, September 30).  The CR will run through December 11 and
will include a 0.2180% across-the-board cut in order to stay under the FY16
budget caps established two years ago in the bipartisan Ryan-Murray budget
bill.

The path to a final omnibus bill remains a long one that will require
constant engagement by the TRIO community. Reports indicate that following
completion of the CR, House Republicans will revive debates to defund
Planned Parenthood and repealing the Affordable Care Act through a budget
reconciliation bill this fall. (Such a measure needs only a simple majority
vote and does not require the President's signature.)  Legislators will
also need to make final decisions regarding funding for all programs for
the remainder of FY16 and address multiple priorities including the debt
ceiling, highway trust fund, tax extenders, etc.

Although this seems like a victory, a short-term CR does not guarantee the
TRIO programs a $60 Million increase. Rather, this short-term funding
measure encourages a full-year Continuing Resolution and makes the TRIO
programs susceptible to level-funding, and further across the board cuts in
FY 2016. We must be very wary during these upcoming months and take action
to make sure that your Legislators understand that Congress needs to Raise
the Caps for non-defense funding and support an Omnibus measure to receive
a $60 Million increase in FY 2016.  We highly urge TRIO staff, students,
alumni and other supporters to participate in the  #TRIOTUESDAY!  By
engaging in at least *ONE* advocacy activity every Tuesday until the end of
the year and sharing what you are doing to advocate for TRIO on social
media using the hashtag #TRIOTUESDAY we as a community will ensure an
increase for TRIO for FY 2016.

Have any comments, questions or concerns? Contact Kimberly Jones (
[log in to unmask]) and Selene Ceja ([log in to unmask]) via email
or phone (202.347.7430).

It’s time to make your voices heard. Take the pledge today! Check out
COE’s #TRIOTUESDAY
1 pager <http://t.congressweb.com/l/?RGNRUAQABLNHGSA> for more ideas on how
to advocate for TRIO this year!


*Department of Education Update *

*EOC and Talent Search Grant Competitions*
The U.S. Department of Education stated at COE’s Board Meeting last week
that they believe the two competitions will take place in early 2016
(between January and March). They believe the Talent Search competition
will take place differing from what was said at the Relations with the U.S.
Department of Education Seminar back in March.  They hope to have the draft
RFP out by the end of the year.  Talent Search will come out first and then
EOC.  As soon as COE knows more, we will share with the community.

*TRIO Program APRs*
ED stated last week they believe all APRs will be due around the same time
as last year.  They do not anticipate any delays.

*SSS Phone Conversations with Program Specialists*
ED stated that SSS Program Specialists will be having technical assistance
calls with all SSS grantees over the next month.  For any questions or
concerns, never hesitate to call Angelica Vialpando at
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