Menendez Introduces Legislation to Expand EDA University Center Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. -U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), the highest-ranking Latino in Congress, today joined Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) in introducing the University Centers for Growth, Development, and Prosperity (GDP) Act. The legislation would codify the U.S. Economic Development Administration's (EDA) University Center Economic Development Program, increase the number of University Centers, and bolster funding between $500,000 to $1 million per University Center, up from roughly $125,000, including one at Kean University in Union, NJ. University Centers are federal partnerships that leverage the assets of higher-learning institutions to strengthen regional economic growth by promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Congressman Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.-31).

"As a co-chair of the Senate Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Caucus, I am proud to support this legislation that will help bolster greater collaboration between universities and economic development districts and will spur job creation and economic development in the Latino community. This is just one example of how Congress can strengthen professional development opportunities for Latino and all minority students, and I look forward to continue advancing these commonsense initiatives," said Sen. Menendez.

Despite EDA's important work, many communities across the country have yet to benefit from the agency's programs, including smaller communities, communities of color, and rural areas experiencing higher rates of poverty.

The legislation would ensure that University Centers prioritize the participation of Minority-Serving Institutions such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Universities. The expansion would encourage economic development in economically distressed regions that are currently underserved by existing University Centers.

For full text of the bill, click HERE.

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