WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 25, 2015) – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 529, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) and Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI) that would make 529 plans more flexible by making computers an eligible education expense; allowing the redeposit of college refunds without negative tax implications in certain circumstances and updating outdated accounting rules.
Betty Lochner
Chair of the College Savings Plans Network and Director of Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) Program
February 19, 2015
This is a very exciting time in the College Savings world as legislation to enhance 529 savings plans has legs in Congress. In fact, H.R. 529 will likely be taken up for vote in the U.S. House of Representatives sometime next week and we want to do everything in our power to ensure that it is passed. We have mobilized our members representing 49 states with 529 Savings Plans to advocate with their Representatives to pass this proposed legislation.
Lucas Minor
GET Marketing & Communications Manager
February 16, 2015
Whenever Presidents’ Day rolls around, it rekindles many fond memories from U.S. history classes in elementary and high school. Iconic events come to mind such as George Washington crossing the Delaware, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the framing of the Constitution and President Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address. I was always awed by these great leaders, and the impacts they made, not only in creating, growing and preserving a young nation, but in setting a precedent that representative democracies do work and can thrive. However, as I reflect on these larger-than-life images that many of us hold of our forefathers, I try to remember that despite all of the reverence we project onto them, many saw themselves simply as stewards of democracy and the public’s will.
To that end, our nation’s leaders have (generally) fought to preserve the foundations of the Constitution and made policy decisions intended to serve the best interest of the people. While our 44 Presidents have certainly held widely varying views on the best approaches to this noble purpose, something most could agree on is the importance of education. It’s hard to disagree with the idea that the dissemination of knowledge is the cornerstone for a thriving economy, an increasingly just political system, and the overall advancement of society.
Patricia Roberts Managing Director, AllianceBernstein L.P. and Chair, College Savings Plans Network Corporate Affiliates February 9, 2015 As Valentine’s Day approaches each year, I am reminded of Thomas Aquinas’ observation, […]
Betty Lochner
Chair of the College Savings Plans Network (CSPN) and Director of Washington’s Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) Program
February 4, 2015
Last week Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (R-KS) and Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI) introduced H.R.529, legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would make 529 plans more flexible and remove some of the obstacles participants face while saving for college.
Sheila Salehian
Senior Deputy Treasurer, State of Nevada
February 2, 2015
Happy Valentine’s Day! Have you ever wondered about the history of this holiday? Valentines Day is said to have started with an ancient Roman fertility ceremony called Lupercalia, held in mid-February, dating as far back as 496 AD. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius made it a Christian holiday, and moved the date back one day, to the 14th of February. There was more than one saint named “Valentine” and as the holiday grew in popularity, it become associated with love and romance in the 1300’s. By the 1840’s it was celebrated in the U.S. with cards to loved ones.