Tax and Finance Issues

Tax policy issues broadly impact public research universities. APLU advocates in support of a number of key tax issues, including provisions that extend access to low-cost capital, policies that impact universities as tax-exempt entities and employers, tax benefits that support students and families to make higher education more affordable, and incentives to promote charitable giving that supports institutions’ educational and research missions.

APLU supports passage of legislation advancing these priorities, detailed in the priorities document on the right, in the 117th Congress.

Tax Legislation Reintroduced in the 117th Congress

• S. 479 – LOCAL Infrastructure Act

This bipartisan bill would reinstate advance refunding to free up much-needed capital and assist in the long-term economic recovery following the COVID-19 crisis.

• H.R 786 / S. 262 – Supporting State and Local Leaders Act

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) mandated that many employers provide up to two weeks of paid sick leave and 10 weeks of partially paid Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave to their employees through the end of 2020. Congress sought to cushion the financial impact on employers with a refundable tax credit. Unfortunately, public employers subject to the mandate were not eligible for the tax credit. This bipartisan, bicameral bill would allow public employers to claim the credit, retroactive to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For a full list of APLU legislative priorities on tax issues, see here.