In an effort to promote higher education, we propose the Obama administration reinstate the federal tax exemption for graduate student and post-doctoral stipends. These stipends, traditionally tax exempt, will incentivize countless students to pursue higher educational goals, resulting in broader positive economic impacts. A highly educated population leads to increased research, bolstering America’s status as global leader in innovation. This policy will provide our best and brightest with an important financial resource; a tax exemption which would allow for greater quality of life and freedom to contribute significantly to the pursuit of excellence.
Please restore the federal tax exemption for graduate and post-doctoral stipends and bring higher education into the 21st century.