Approved by the Engineering Practice Policy Committee on March 29, 2022
Approved by the Public Policy and Practice Committee on April 27, 2022
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 22, 2022
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.
- Continuation of the exemption from taxes on the investment income earned by colleges and universities.
Issue
Proposals for tax reform have included provisions to eliminate tax policies that promote opportunities for higher education. The nation must continue to produce a well-trained engineering workforce that contributes to our nation's economic prosperity, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. Support via the tax code is an essential means to help produce such a workforce and is particularly necessary to make higher education affordable and accessible to middle- and low-income Americans, which includes many first-generation engineering students. Further, tax support for continuing education, certifications, and licensure is important for both engineers and those practicing engineering-related trades.
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