HISTORY MADE: The One Big Beautiful Bill Is on Its Way to President Trump’s Desk

Key Actions

• Vanderbilt’s Financial Planning Office should assess the impact of the largest middle-class tax cut in American history on the university’s financial aid strategies. Understanding how these changes affect student and family finances will be crucial for adapting financial aid packages to meet the needs of a potentially changing student demographic.
• The Office of Federal Relations should monitor the implications of increased border security and immigration policies on the university’s international student population. Proactively engaging with policymakers and advocating for policies that support international students will be essential to maintaining Vanderbilt’s diverse academic community.
• Vanderbilt’s Research and Development Office should explore opportunities for increased funding in military-related research and development, given the massive military funding included in the bill. Collaborating with defense agencies and securing grants can enhance the university’s research capabilities and contributions to national security.
• The Department of Economics should conduct research on the broader economic impacts of the pro-growth policies within the bill. Analyzing how these policies influence economic trends and labor markets can provide valuable insights for policymakers and the public, positioning Vanderbilt as a thought leader in economic policy.
• Vanderbilt’s Child and Family Policy Center should evaluate the effects of the expanded Child Tax Credit on family dynamics and child welfare. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the center can influence how these credits are utilized to support child development and family stability.

Opportunities

• The bill presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Business School to develop new programs focused on tax policy and economic growth. By leveraging its expertise in finance and economics, the school can contribute to the design and evaluation of effective tax policies, potentially influencing national economic policy.
• Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on fiscal policies by developing partnerships with government agencies and private sector organizations. This could include joint research initiatives, policy analysis, and collaborative projects, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation and reach in the economic policy sector.
• The emphasis on savings accounts for newborns offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Financial Literacy to engage in policy analysis and advocacy. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the center can influence how these accounts are structured and used to support long-term financial security for families.
• The order’s focus on improving economic opportunities aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. The university can develop targeted outreach and support programs for entrepreneurs and small businesses, enhancing their economic opportunities and success.
• By engaging with the broader economic community and policymakers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on economic reform. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of fiscal policies can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative economic thought and practice.

Relevance Score: 4 (The bill presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to funding impacts and policy shifts.)