Ernst Secures a Win for Iowa Farm Families

Ernst-led provision eliminates FAFSA restrictions that limit opportunities for farm kids to attend college.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) bipartisanFamily Farm and Small Business Exemption Actthat keeps higher education accessible for Iowa farm families has passed the Senate as part of theOne Big Beautiful Bill.
The bill reverses changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process that could reduce or even eliminate access to need-based aid for students of farm families and small business owners. It restores the original guidelines that exempt all farmland, machinery, other operational materials, and small businesses with fewer than 100 employees from being declared on the FAFSA form.
“After the Biden administration botched the FAFSA rollout at the expense of farm families, I am proud to right that wrong and ensure unfair policies don’t hold Iowans back from investing in their child’s education,”Ernst said.“Reopening pathways to financial aid for rural students in need is yet another way the One Big Beautiful Bill takes a stand for Iowans and ensures the next generation of students will have the opportunity to pursue higher education.”
Background:
In the wake of the Biden administration’sbotched FAFSA rollout, Ernst consistently stood up for Iowa families to ensure they aren’t left behind when it comes to college aid opportunities. She helped pass theFAFSA Deadline Actinto law to give families the certainty they deserve,conductedcriticaloversight,demandedanswers on behalf of agricultural communities, andworkedto get input directly from impactedIowans.
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