For years, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) has not been kind to college students in farming families. Due to some flaws in the program, farmers must label their machinery, land, and small businesses as liquid assets, even though they are not liquid enough to be converted into college funds. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra is supporting legislation that will exempt those from being considered assets on the FAFSA application, which will open up the door for more farm kids to receive financial aid.
As a parent to a high school senior, Feenstra said he feels for parents who are having to deal with receiving less financial aid simply because they own land, machinery, or small businesses.
Feenstra said this is part of the greater goal to support farming communities and provide farm kids with an equal chance to pursue a higher education.
For more information, visit feenstra.house.gov.
