Sen. Moran Introduces Legislation to Help Students Receive Financial Aid Regardless of Farm, Small Business Ownership

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) joined his colleagues in introducing the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act to reverse recent changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process that could reduce or even eliminate access to need-based student aid for farm families and small business owners.

Sen. Moran was joined by Sens. Joni Ernst (Iowa), Jon Tester (Mont.), Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Pete Ricketts (Neb.) and Mike Braun (Ind.) in introducing this legislation.

“Requiring students to list family farms where they reside or small businesses as assets on their applications for federal student aid could prevent students from receiving the support needed to pursue a college education,” said Sen. Moran. “Our farms and small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and we shouldn’t penalize students who have a background in either of these vital professions.”

In 2020, Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act into law with the intent to simplify the financial aid process for students and families. The Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act would create separate guidance for students who own a small business and students who live on family farms.