1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent from California and an educator concerned about the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to undermine higher education—particularly the Republican-backed tax on university endowments. This endowment tax unfairly penalizes colleges and universities that have built long-term financial resources to support students, faculty, and research. It effectively punishes success and fiscal responsibility. More importantly, it directly threatens the accessibility of higher education by reducing the funds available for financial aid. In a state like California, where millions of students rely on need-based aid to attend college, the consequences would be especially harmful. Endowments are not excess wealth—they are tools that ensure long-term access and opportunity. Imposing a tax on them shifts resources away from students, especially those from low-income and first-generation backgrounds who already face systemic barriers in accessing higher education. Instead of taxing educational opportunity, Congress should focus on expanding it.