Protecting PA Education Amid Federal Policy Shifts
At a time of growing challenges in higher education, PAEA is deeply committed to ongoing advocacy on behalf of programs, faculty, and students. As part of this commitment, the Association has responded in recent weeks to a series of federal actions and proposals that threaten the accessibility, affordability, and quality of PA programs nationwide.
Recent executive orders and policy proposals—including temporarily freezing federal grants and loans, restricting funding for equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, limiting indirect cost reimbursements for National Institutes of Health grants, and proposing the elimination of the Department of Education and Grad PLUS loans—have posed significant challenges to the PA education community. PAEA applauds the action of federal courts to halt the implementation of many of these proposals in recent days, and the Association will continue its advocacy efforts to ensure that members remain supported as they support the development of the future health workforce.
Advocacy Actions Taken Thus Far
Congressional Engagement
Understanding the far-reaching implications of these policies, PAEA staff has met with congressional staff on key committees of jurisdiction in recent weeks, such as the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. These discussions have focused on the essential role of federal student loans in maintaining the accessibility of PA education and the critical contributions of Title VII health workforce programs to continued access to care.
Grassroots Mobilization
In addition to direct congressional advocacy, PAEA continues to facilitate opportunities for member engagement in our policy efforts. Via the Grassroots Action Network, members can take action on the Association’s ongoing advocacy campaigns to support continued access to Grad PLUS loans, Title VII health workforce funding, and the National Health Service Corps, among others. Over the course of this year, PAEA will bolster these online efforts through in-person advocacy days connecting students and faculty to their elected representatives.
Coalition Advocacy
Recognizing the power of collective advocacy, PAEA continues to work alongside higher education associations and other professional groups to highlight the value of federal investments in higher education to support health workforce development. Through coalition efforts, we have reinforced the message that federal investment in education and research is vital to the future of health care and medical innovation. By partnering with like-minded organizations, we continue to advocate for policies that support students, faculty, and institutions.
Looking Ahead
Despite the emerging and evolving challenges of the past several weeks, PAEA remains committed to doing everything in its power to ensure that PA education continues to thrive. The Association will persist in advocating for federal policies that prioritize access to education, funding for critical research, and a healthcare workforce that reflects the communities it serves. While these recent policy changes present obstacles, they also underscore the importance of collective advocacy with the critical involvement of faculty and students.
Members with questions are invited to contact Tyler Smith at tsmith@PAEAonline.org.
Learn more about PAEA’s Advocacy Agenda. https://paeaonline.org/our-work/advocacy-for-pa-education
