Adams, Van Hollen Introduce the Carryover Equity Act

Washington, D.C.—Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12), co-chair of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus, introduced legislation to overturn an outdated, biased policy and provide 1890s Land-Grant Universities with the same financial flexibility currently enjoyed by their peers established in 1862. The Carryover Equity Act (H.R. 4984) would fix a provision that prohibits 1890s Land-Grant Universities – all of which are Historically Black Universities – from carrying over more than 20 percent of their equity from one fiscal year to the next. This arbitrary provision limits the ability of these Universities to use their funds as they see fit and notably diverges from policies that govern other similar Department of Agriculture programs. The legislation would benefit 19 institutions including North Carolina A&T State University, Fort Valley State University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Central State University, South Carolina State University, Delaware State University, Virginia State University, West Virginia State University, Alabama A&M University, Alcorn State University, Florida A&M University, Kentucky State University, Langston University, Lincoln University, Prairie View A&M University, Southern University System, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, and University of Arkansas Pine Bluff. The legislation was cosponsored by Reps. Trent Kelly (R-MS), David Scott (D-GA), and Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO).

Last week, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) joined the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus and introduced the Senate companion to this bipartisan legislation (S. 2384) with Caucus member, Senator David Perdue (R-GA). The Senate legislation was cosponsored by Senators Brown (D-OH), Tillis (R-NC), Graham (R-SC), Coons (D-DE), Kaine (D-VA), Cardin (D-MD), and Manchin (D-WV).

"For over 125 years, 1890 Land-Grant Universities have played an integral role in educating minorities in studies ranging from agriculture to engineering while providing extension services to underserved communities," said Congresswoman Adams. "After years of arbitrary inequity, I'm proud to introduce this vital piece of legislation to ensure schools, like North Carolina A&T University, have the resources and flexibility they need to better serve our communities. I look forward to working with all members of the Bipartisan HBCU Caucus to move this bipartisan legislation through Congress quickly and ensure its passage into law."

"The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Historically Black Land-Grant Universities across the country, educate our students in fields ranging from innovative agricultural practices to advanced engineering," said Senator Van Hollen. "Ensuring they have the financial flexibility they need to complete their mission is crucial. That's why I'm proud to introduce this legislation, which will allow these Universities to take full advantage of the funding they receive and provide them the flexibility to use it as needed. I appreciate the strong bipartisan support behind this legislation, and I hope we can move forward to pass it immediately."

"Land-grant institutions like Central State play an important role in educating students and contributing to Ohio's agriculture and food science industries," said Senator Brown. "These universities deserve the flexibility to use their funding in a way that promotes research and encourages continued success for their students. I'm glad to support this bipartisan legislation."

The Bipartisan HBCU Caucus was founded in April 2015 and is comprised of 69 members of Congress on both sides of the aisle and in both chambers.