The gist

The BASIC Act funds college programs fighting student hunger and homelessness, and auto-links federal aid applicants to benefits like SNAP and Medicaid.

Who wins, who loses

• Wins: low-income college students, community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Pell Grant recipients, student parents.
• Loses: taxpayers funding the $7 billion cost; critics of expanding federal welfare programs.

What it does

• Authorizes $1 billion yearly (2027-2033) for planning grants (up to $200,000) and implementation grants (up to $5 million over 5 years).
• Reserves 25% of funds for community colleges and 25% for HBCUs and minority-serving schools.
• Requires the Education Department to share Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data so students get notified about SNAP, Medicaid, housing, and tax credit eligibility.
• Mandates a national report every 4 years on student food and housing insecurity.

Why should I care?

Supporters say nearly a quarter of college students skip meals or lack stable housing, hurting graduation rates. Critics argue colleges should cut tuition instead of adding welfare programs, and worry about federal data-sharing privacy risks. For teens heading to college soon, this could mean easier access to food aid and housing help. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.