DES MOINES, Iowa — Representative Ashley Hinson of Iowa’s 2nd District is cosponsoring legislation that she says will help ensure equal access to education for students from family farms and small business families.

The Department of Education rolled out a new FAFSA application during the 2024-2025 application cycle. Under the new application, the federal formula for determining student aid was changed. Now, it includes non-liquid assets, like farmland and equipment, into the calculation.

According to Hinson, this is a disadvantage for family farms and small business families.

“You shouldn’t be forced to sell your family’s farmland so you can go to college,” Hinson said in an exclusive interview with WHO 13 News.

Hinson said she believes this was an unintentional mistake made in the process of changing the application and she said this is a bipartisan issue.

The Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act will restore the decades-long standard that exempts the value of family farms and small businesses assets from being included as part of a family’s net worth when applying for FAFSA.

“Under current law, many family farmers are unfairly punished through reduced financial aid for their college-age kids. This jeopardizes educational opportunities for students in rural America. I am cosponsoring the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act to ensure Iowans can afford higher education and invest in their children’s future without putting their livelihoods at risk,” said the Congresswoman.  

So far, the bill has been introduced to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

The legislation has received support from several higher education institutions in Iowa, including the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, the University of Northern Iowa, Drake University, and Community Colleges for Iowa.

Last year, Senator Joni Ernst introduced a similar bill during the 118th Congress. The bill was cosponsored by Senator Chuck Grassley, and other lawmakers. However, it was not put to a vote.