Approved by the Public Policy Committee on March 12, 2019
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 13, 2019

Policy

To ensure that there is a well-trained engineering workforce that contributes to our nation's economic prosperity, social well-being, and environmental sustainability, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) supports:

  • Continuation of Section 127 of the Internal Revenue Code which provides tax benefits for employer-provided education assistance;
  • Continuation of tax-free tuition waivers for students;
  • Continuation of the tax deduction for student loan interest; and
  • Continuation of the exemption from taxes on the investment income earned by colleges and universities.

Issue

Recent proposals for tax reform have included provisions to eliminate tax policies that promote opportunities for higher education. To continue to produce a well-trained engineering workforce that contributes to our nation's economic prosperity, social well-being, and environmental sustainability will require access to higher education for all levels of income. Support is necessary to make higher education affordable and accessible to middle- and low-income Americans.

Rationale

In the face of increasing global competition, the federal tax code must support current and future engineers who contribute to our economy and national health, safety and welfare. While recognizing efforts to strengthen and simplify the tax code are worthy goals, the nation needs a tax code that bolsters the government-university partnership and supports affordable, accessible higher education.

ASCE Policy Statement 553
First Approved 2017