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NEA EdAction Sept 24th 2023

September 25, 2023 by

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National Education Association
EdAction in Congress

Before midnight on September 30th, Congress must pass a stopgap funding bill—called a continuing resolution (CR)—or the government will start shutting down. From experience, we know what that means.

The economy will take a big hit—the last shutdown, in 2019, cost $11 billion. No paychecks for millions of federal employees, including educators in Department of Defense schools represented by the Federal Education Association, an NEA affiliate. College-bound students won’t be able to get the information they need to apply for financial aid. Collection of essential data will stop—on everything from healthcare to inflation.

Every single member of Congress knows that to avoid driving the country over this cliff, Republicans and Democrats must reach an agreement similar to the bipartisan debt-limit compromise enacted in June. Yet, House GOP leadership continues to pretend otherwise, striving instead to placate far-right extremists bent on creating chaos to score political points.

Against this disturbing background, NEA leaders and staff this week participated in the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s annual legislative conference, where a key theme was protecting our democracy, and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s annual leadership conference.

In addition, NEA’s Board of Directors met face-to-face with lawmakers and their staffs to advocate for responsible education funding, advancing the Equality Act, and repealing the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) that deprive 2.5 million educators and other public employees of Social Security benefits they have earned.

The more of us who weigh in, the better. Email your members of Congress today!

In solidarity,

"Marc Egan" written as a signature
Marc Egan
Government Relations Director
National Education Association

A white young woman looks somber while sitting at a desk in a library
FEATURED ACTION
Oppose Budget Cuts that Hurt Students
College would become even less affordable and meaningful reform of student debt relief programs impossible under the House GOP’s proposed education budget.
Take Action  ➤
Young black girl sits at her desk looking down at a piece of paper appearing sad
Stop Drastic Cuts to Public Schools
The House majority is pushing an education funding bill that would hurt students, eliminate nearly 248,000 educator jobs, and cut access to higher education.
Take Action  ➤
Two young children sit at a lunch table smiling and eating lunch
Provide Healthy School Meals to All Students
Students can’t learn if their stomachs are grumbling. Universal school meals are proven to reduce child hunger.
Take Action  ➤
THIS WEEK’S JEERS AND CHEERS
CHEER: Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL) reintroduced the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (H.R. 14) to protect the right to vote and safeguard our democracy by restoring the full protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
CHEER: Sens. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the bipartisan Success for Military Connected Students Act (S. 2755) to continue current student-to-teacher ratios in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Authority.
CHEER: Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) reintroduced the Schedules That Work Act (S. 2851/H.R. 5563) and the Part-Time Worker Bill of Rights Act (S. 2850/H.R. 5578) to extend vital protections to workers in low-paid and part-time jobs, including many education support professionals.
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Filed Under: NEA Updates

NEA EdAction Sept 17th 2023

September 18, 2023 by

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National Education Association
EdAction in Congress

Congress is no closer than it was last week to passing legislation to keep the government open and running on Oct. 1 and beyond. A shutdown is now more likely than not.

The problem is the House—specifically, the dysfunctional GOP caucus in the House. A bipartisan bill is the only path forward for a short-term funding patch. Yet Speaker Kevin McCarthy continues to pretend otherwise, amid renewed threats from the most extreme members of his caucus to remove him as speaker. 

Last week, McCarthy again abandoned plans to pass an extreme, partisan funding bill—this time, for defense. The bill would be dead on arrival in the Senate anyway, like the House GOP’s education proposal that would, among other things, decimate Title I, block meaningful student debt relief, end the English Language Learner program, and cause class sizes to rise—a proposal too extreme even to move through the Appropriations Committee.

In stark contrast to the House, the Senate has taken a bipartisan approach, adhering to funding levels in previously passed legislation while investing in targeted increases and avoiding draconian cuts. 

NEA’s Board of Directors is coming to Washington next week to lobby Congress on education funding, the Equality Act, and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) that deprive 2.5 million dedicated public servants, including educators, of Social Security benefits they have earned.

Help amplify their voices by telling Congress what you think!

In solidarity,

"Marc Egan" written as a signature
Marc Egan
Government Relations Director
National Education Association

A young black girl sits at her desk in a classroom starting at a piece of paper looking frustrated
FEATURED ACTION
Stop Drastic Cuts to Public Schools
The House majority is pushing an education funding bill that would hurt students, eliminate nearly 248,000 educator jobs, and cut access to higher education.
Take Action  ➤
An image of a $100 dollar bill with a social security card floating infront of it
Fully Repeal Unfair Social Security Penalties
Support the Social Security Fairness Act to fully repeal both the GPO and WEP.
Take Action  ➤
An image of a LBTQ+ flag flowing in the sky
Support the Equality Act
The Equality Act would give LGBTQ Americans explicit protection from discrimination in key areas of life.
Take Action  ➤
THIS WEEK’S JEERS AND CHEERS
CHEER: Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT), and Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) reintroduced the Green Ribbon Act (S. 2822/H.R. 5484) to strengthen and expand the Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools program, which helps to promote sustainability, STEM education, and health and wellness while reducing environmental impacts.      
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Filed Under: NEA Updates

NEA EdAction Sept 10 2023

September 10, 2023 by

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National Education Association
EdAction in Congress

Congress is back and facing yet another manufactured crisis. Unless it acts soon, the Department of Education and other vital government programs will shut down on Oct. 1, when funding runs out and the new fiscal year begins.

In the Senate, all 12 necessary FY2024 funding bills have advanced through committee in a big bipartisan way. In the House, disagreement within the Republican majority—and with Democrats—has led to a stalemate on education and other funding bills, as well as shutdown threats.

Far-right extremists are using the same playbook they used last spring. Then, they held the debt limit hostage and threatened a catastrophic default. Now, they are holding our government hostage and threatening a shutdown that deprives pregnant women, infants, and children of food and healthcare. 

The White House and congressional leadership—both chambers, both parties—support a short-term “continuing resolution,” though they differ on some details. That approach would maintain current funding levels and keep the government running while negotiations continue in Congress over education and other funding bills.

Time is running out. Less than a dozen legislative days remain between now and Oct. 1. Even if a shutdown is averted, Congress will wrangle for months over funding levels.

We must continue to oppose the extreme GOP House proposal—loudly—and broadcast the dire consequences, starting with how it would decimate Title I and eliminate key programs for students and educators.

In solidarity,

"Marc Egan" written as a signature
Marc Egan
Government Relations Director
National Education Association

A young black girls sits in a classroom starting at a piece of paper on her desk appearing frustrated
FEATURED ACTION
Stop Drastic Cuts to Public Schools
The House majority is pushing an education funding bill that would hurt students, eliminate nearly 248,000 educator jobs, and cut access to higher education.
Take Action  ➤
A school bus drives down the road passing tumbleweed
Students in Rural Communities Deserve a Well-Rounded Education
The Secure Rural Schools Act of 2023 will provide rural school districts with crucial support for students and educators.
Take Action  ➤
An image of a bulldozer in front of a school building
Update and Upgrade School Buildings
Our school buildings get a D+ from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Take Action  ➤
THIS WEEK’S JEERS AND CHEERS
CHEER: Republican Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (WV), Susan Collins (ME), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Mike Rounds (SD), and Todd Young (IN) joined Democrats in voting to confirm NEA-supported nominee Anna Gomez as FCC Commissioner. She will be the first Latina on the FCC in 20 years.
CHEER: Reps. Joe Morelle (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the Pell Grant Flexibility Act (H.R. 4931) to give students with disabilities the support and flexibility they need to earn a degree at a pace that works for them.
CHEER: Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA) introduced the Time Off to Vote Act (H.R. 4931), which would require employers to give their employees at least two hours of paid leave to vote in a federal election.
CHEER: Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) introduced the Rebuild America’s Schools Act (H.R. 5049), which would create a $100 billion grant program and $30 billion tax-credit bond program targeting high-poverty school buildings that pose health and safety risks to students and staff.
CHEER: Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) introduced the Tax Fairness for Workers Act (H.R. 4963) to restore the deduction for employees’ unreimbursed expenses and create an “above the line” deduction for union dues that even those who don’t itemize can use.
CHEER: Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Rep. Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), Rep. Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), and Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to designate the week beginning Sept. 11, 2023, National Hispanic-Serving Institutions Week.
CHEER: Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced the Educator Expense Tax Deduction Act (S. 2731), which would raise the educator tax deduction from $300 to $1,000.
JEER: Rep. Eric Burlison (R-MO) introduced the Paycheck Protection Act (H.R. 4971) to prevent federal agencies from deducting union dues from their employees’ paychecks.

Filed Under: NEA Updates

NEA EdAction June 30th 2023

July 30, 2023 by

National Education Association
EdAction in Congress

Last week, we told you how bad the House majority’s extreme Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill is and how much damage it would do to schools. 

To recap, the bill decimates the Title I program, eliminates funding to reduce class sizes, eliminates funding for the English Language Learner (ELL) program and educator professional development, and blocks meaningful reforms to federal student debt programs. But thanks to your quick advocacy, Republican leadership was not able to bring the bill to a vote in the full Appropriations Committee before the congressional recess. 

The even better news is that the Senate is moving in a completely different, bipartisan direction. That bill strengthens investments—albeit with small increases—in families and education, and the Senate Appropriations Committee passed it last week by a 26-2 vote.

But this fight is far from over. We must keep up the pressure during the congressional recess. Keep in mind that the House bill takes a wrecking ball to education. It would eliminate nearly 248,000 educator jobs, and even cuts money that has already been appropriated for the upcoming school year. This week, we have a chart that details teacher job losses in each state and the impact of cuts to Title I, Title, II, and ELL on students.

The same MAGA-led wing of the GOP is pushing a House Agriculture appropriations bill that would kick hundreds of thousands of families out of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and delay healthier guidelines for school meals. But, as with the education funding bill, it is so extreme that leadership could not bring it to the House floor for a vote.

In fact, while corporate profits have soared in the past decades, working families have lost ground—especially those earning the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. 

People who work hard should not live in poverty. The Raise the Wage Act of 2023, introduced this week, would increase the federal minimum wage to $17 by 2028. The bill would not only lift wages; it would give working people the respect they deserve.

Increasing the federal minimum wage would benefit many education support professionals, such as school food service workers. Aside from better pay, these dedicated workers need more training for the preparation skills that healthier meals require. The Improving Training for School Food Service Workers Act, also introduced this week, would help make training available during paid working hours.

The time is now to make our voices heard! 

In solidarity, 

"Marc Egan" written as a signature
Marc Egan
Government Relations Director
National Education Association

A young black girl sits in a classroom at her desk starting at a paper appearing frustrated
FEATURED ACTION
Stop Drastic Cuts to Public Schools
The House majority is pushing an education funding bill that would hurt students, eliminate nearly 248,000 educator jobs, and cut access to higher education.  
Take Action  ➤
A bus driver sits in her seat and high fives a young black student as he loads the bus
Raise the Federal Minimum Wage
While corporate profits soar, the federal minimum wage has been the same since 2009.
Take Action  ➤
A woman working in a school cafeteria wears a pink shirt and white apron
Improve Training for School Food Service Workers
School food service workers serve millions of meals each day, providing healthy, nutritious foods that fuel students’ minds and bodies.
Take Action  ➤
THIS WEEK’S JEERS AND CHEERS
CHEER: Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) introduced a bill to stop universities from giving preferential treatment to children of alumni and children of donors and to help ensure equity in the admissions process.
CHEER: Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) and Reps. Alma Adams (D-NC) and Greg Casar (D-TX) introduced the Food Secure Strikers Act of 2023, which would allow striking workers and their households to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, repealing the restriction that prohibits striking workers from receiving SNAP.
CHEER: Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Reps. Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Elise Stefanik (R-NY) re-introduced the Improving Training for School Food Service Workers Act to ensure training occurs during paid working hours.
CHEER: Democratic Reps. Becca Balint (VT), Cori Bush (MO), Troy Carter (LA), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL), Rashida Tlaib (MI), Jamaal Bowman (NY), Jill Tokuda (HI), and Morgan McGarvey (KY), all members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, made floor speeches noting their support for educators, students, and public schools before Congress began its August recess.

Filed Under: NEA Updates

NEA EdAction July 23 2023

July 27, 2023 by

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National Education Association
EdAction in Congress

It is particularly cruel to take money away from school districts after it’s already been appropriated for the upcoming school year—but that’s what the education funding bill being pushed by House Republicans does. And that’s just one aspect of a bill that uses students as pawns to advance cruel MAGA priorities.
  
Rescinding money that has been included in school budgets, along with enacting extreme cuts, will trigger immediate layoffs of approximately 220,000 educators—during an unprecedented educator shortage—and draconian cuts to crucial services that students rely on. 

The House majority’s extreme Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill would also:

  • Cut funding for the Title I program, which helps our most-vulnerable students, by 80%;  
  • Cut funding for the English Language Learner (ELL) program and for educator professional development; 
  • Block President Biden from enacting meaningful reforms to federal student debt programs; and
  • Eliminate funding intended to reduce class sizes.

Most of us believe that all students should have the opportunity for an education that inspires them and sets them up for success. Judging by this bill, the MAGA wing of the GOP does not. If their bill becomes law, educators will struggle to provide students with the support and services they need. It will take years for schools to recover, at a time when students continue to cope with fallout from the pandemic.

Derailing bad legislation is crucial, and it’s just as important to be able to vote for people who share our values. The Senate and House have just reintroduced the Freedom to Vote Act, which will broaden access to the polls and take important steps to protect the integrity of our elections. We must make sure that every vote is counted and all voices are heard. 

Let Congress know where you stand today! 

In solidarity, 

"Marc Egan" written as a signature
Marc Egan
Government Relations Director
National Education Association

A young black girl sits in a classroom with other students, starting at a paper on her desk looking frustrated
FEATURED ACTION
Stop Drastic Cuts to Public Schools
The U.S. House is about to vote on cuts to federal funding for public schools that would hurt students, eliminate as many as 220,000 educator jobs, and cut access to higher education.  
Take Action  ➤
Group of young people stand in a line holding a white banner that reads "voting rights now"
Protect the Freedom to Vote
Help ensure that every vote counts.
Take Action  ➤
THIS WEEK’S JEERS AND CHEERS
CHEER: Democrats Amy Klobuchar (MN), Raphael Warnock (GA), and Tim Kaine (VA) in the Senate and John Sarbanes (MD), Joe Morelle (NY), and Terri Sewell (AL) in the House for reintroducing the Freedom to Vote Act (S. 1/H.R. 11).
JEER: All Republicans in the House of Representatives and Democrats Henry Cuellar (TX) and Don Davis (NC) voted in favor of a book ban amendment submitted by Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) during consideration of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in the House. The ban specifically targets material about LGBTQ+ people.

Filed Under: NEA Updates

NEA EdAction July 16th 2023

July 16, 2023 by

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National Education Association
EdAction in Congress

The only thing that’s more impressive than one NEA member in action is thousands. 

When NEA delegates from across the country—elected by their local NEA affiliates—convened this month in Orlando for the NEA Representative Assembly, advocacy was top of mind. 

Delegates considered key issues confronting students and educators during days jam-packed with business, and they took action on them. 

Nearly 1,600 delegates sent more than 6,300 messages to Congress. They spoke out about commonsense gun laws, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, protections for LGBTQ+ students and educators, residency programs for aspiring educators, and other issues impacting their students, communities, and professions.

Among NEA’s top priorities is full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Last week, the IDEA Full Funding Act was introduced by Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA). The bill would ensure Congress finally fulfills the federal government’s commitment to pay 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for special education. That promise was made almost half a century ago, and it is way past time for Congress to honor it.

Speaking of honoring commitments, Congress must protect and strengthen Social Security—our nation’s promise that if you work hard, you’ll one day be able to retire with dignity. 

The Social Security 2100 Act, introduced by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Rep. John Larson (D-CT), would repeal two penalties—Government Pension Offset (GPO) and Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP)—that deprive more than 2.5 million Americans, including many educators, of their hard-earned Social Security benefits. It would also provide an across-the-board benefit increase, and improve the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment to reflect seniors’ true costs. 

Let Congress know where you stand!

In solidarity, 

"Marc Egan" written as a signature
Marc Egan
Government Relations Director
National Education Association

A teacher sits at a laptop at a table surrounded by her students, some are holding iPads and one student is in a wheelchair
FEATURED ACTION
Fulfill the Promise of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Special education addresses our most vulnerable students’ unique needs.
Take Action  ➤
A white woman sits on the couch on her cell phone and looking at her laptop
Safeguard America’s Most Successful Anti-Poverty Program
Support the Social Security 2100 Act to strengthen retirement security.
Take Action  ➤
Group of diverse children stretch arms in the air
Invest in Public Education
It’s time for Congress to invest in the children who are the future of America. 
Take Action  ➤
THIS WEEK’S JEERS AND CHEERS
CHEER: Reps. Mike Levin (D-CA) and Jahana Hayes (D-CT) introduced the Stop Child Hunger Act of 2023 (H.R. 4379), which seeks to strengthen the newly established permanent Summer EBT program. The Summer EBT program builds on the success of pilot programs and the Pandemic EBT program to fill good gaps for students from low-income families when school is not in session. 
CHEER: Rep. Ann Kuster (D-NH) introduced the Preparing and Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act (H.R. 4550), bipartisan legislation to help recruit and retain paraeducators and educate students with barriers to learning. The legislation also seeks to ensure they have receive the pay and support they need to thrive. 
JEER: During a House Armed Services Committee markup, all Republicans on the committee and Democrats Don Davis (D-NC), Jared Golden (D-ME), Steven Horsford (D-NV), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Jeff Jackson (D-NC), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) voted in favor of establishing a Parents Bill of Rights for DoDEA schools, disregarding educators’ experience and expertise.
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Filed Under: NEA Updates

NEA EdAction June 25 2023

June 28, 2023 by

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National Education Association
EdAction in Congress
Elizabeth,

The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted to advance three bills supported by NEA: the PRO Act (S. 567) to reduce barriers to union organizing in the private sector; the Paycheck Fairness Act (S. 728) to close the gender wage gap, and the Healthy Families Act (S. 1664) to create a national standard for paid sick leave. 

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chairman of the HELP Committee, noted that NEA is a top supporter of all three bills and stressed the need for them. “At a time when this country is experiencing more income and wealth inequality than ever before, 60% of workers are living paycheck to paycheck,” he said. 

In addition, the Equality Act (S. 5/H.R. 15) was reintroduced in both the Senate and the House. The bill would amend the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Housing Act, and other federal laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics.

Congress will be in recess for the next two weeks, but work behind the scenes will continue. Weigh in and let your elected representatives know where you stand! 

In solidarity, 

"Marc Egan" written as a signature
Marc Egan
Government Relations Director
National Education Association

A LGBTQ+ flag waves in the wind
FEATURED ACTION
Support the Equality Act
The Equality Act would give LGBTQ Americans explicit protection from discrimination in key areas of life.
Take Action  ➤
A white boy in a wheelchair listens to his teacher reading a book
Fully Fund IDEA & Title I
It’s time to fulfill America’s promise of equal opportunity for all students. 
Take Action  ➤
3 educators smile while standing in a school hallway
Raise Educator Pay
Poor pay and stressful working conditions are making educator shortages even worse.
Take Action  ➤
THIS WEEK’S JEERS AND CHEERS
CHEER: Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) reintroduced the Equality Act (S. 5/H.R. 15), which would give LGBTQ+ Americans explicit protection from discrimination in key areas of life: employment, housing, credit, education, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, and jury service.
JEER: Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) introduced an amendment to eliminate the positon of Chief of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools during the markup of the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act by the House Armed Services Committee.
JEER: Rep. John Moolenar (R-MI) introduced the SOAR Permanent Authorization Act (H.R. 3663), which would renew and permanently authorize the District of Columbia voucher program that siphons scarce resources from public to private schools. 
 

Filed Under: NEA Updates

NEA EdAction June 18th 2023

June 20, 2023 by

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National Education Association
EdAction in Congress
Once again, your advocacy has gotten results! 

Last week, the Senate confirmed two more federal judges nominated by President Biden: Casey Pitts and Nusrat Choudhury. Their experiences—like those of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Nancy Abudu, recently confirmed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit—will inform their jurisprudence. That, in turn, should help fulfill the promise above the entrance to the U.S. Supreme Court: equal justice under law. 

Casey Pitts, appointed to the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California, has litigated in federal courts around the country and won major victories in cases involving workers’ rights, employment, voting and civil rights, freedom of speech, and constitutional law. 

Nusrat Choudhury, appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, worked to ensure that the justice system treats all people fairly—regardless of income, education, or geographic location. 

Their presence on the bench will help further an important goal: a federal judiciary that looks more like America, composed of fair-minded people from a variety of backgrounds. 

Last week, we also celebrated the 11th anniversary of the introduction of DACA—Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals—the program that has allowed more than half a million people brought here as children to work lawfully, pursue an education, and use their skills to better our communities. To mark the occasion, Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX) reintroduced the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act. 

In solidarity, 

"Marc Egan" written as a signature
Marc Egan
Government Relations Director
National Education Association

 
FEATURED ACTION
Create a Fair Immigration Process
Support the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act to create an immigration system that is humane, functional, and just.
Take Action  ➤
 
Confirm Julie Su as Secretary of Labor
She has spent her career fighting for workers and is currently Acting Secretary of Labor.
Take Action  ➤
 
Confirm Judicial Nominees NOW
To continue recent progress in creating a federal bench that looks more like America, swiftly confirm President Biden’s judicial nominees.
Take Action  ➤
THIS WEEK’S JEERS AND CHEERS
CHEER: Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) introduced the College for All Act (S. 1963/H.R. 4117) to eliminate tuition and fees for most families at four-year colleges while making community college free. 
CHEER: Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS) reintroduced the Pride in Mental Health Act to improve mental health supports for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth. 
 

Filed Under: NEA Updates

NEA EdAction June 11 2023

June 11, 2023 by

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National Education Association
EdAction in Congress
June is Pride Month, celebrated at this time each year to honor not just the many roles and contributions of LGBTQ individuals, but the 1969 Stonewall Uprising that was a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ rights. 

NEA was among the first to recognize Pride Month. According to the Library of Congress, the tradition began in 1994 when “a coalition of education-based organizations designated October as LGBT History Month. In 1995, a resolution passed by the General Assembly of the National Education Association included LGBT History Month within a list of commemorative months.” 

Pride Month is more important than ever, as MAGA Republicans seek to bring book bans and culture wars to our classrooms and the national stage. 

Educators strive to uplift ALL students, regardless of gender or identity. As NEA President Becky Pringle tweeted, “We must stand ever more resolute in that commitment while extremists attack and deny students’ rights and try to curtail students’ freedom to learn.” 
 
In solidarity, 

"Marc Egan" written as a signature
Marc Egan
Government Relations Director
National Education Association

 
FEATURED ACTION
Support the Equality Act
The Equality Act would give LGBTQ Americans explicit protection from discrimination in key areas of life.
Take Action  ➤
 
Confirm Julie Su as Secretary of Labor
She has spent her career fighting for workers and is currently Acting Secretary of Labor.
Take Action  ➤
 
Invest in Public Education
It’s time for Congress to invest in the children who are the future of America.
Take Action  ➤
THIS WEEK’S JEERS AND CHEERS
CHEER: Reps. David Scott (D-GA) and Jim McGovern (D-MA) vigorously defended SNAP against further cuts during the House Agriculture Committee’s June 7 hearing on the farm bill. 
 

Filed Under: NEA Updates

NEA EdAction June 4 2023

June 4, 2023 by

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National Education Association
EdAction in Congress
President Biden and Speaker McCarthy finally reached a deal. Officially called the Fiscal Responsibility Act, it easily passed the Senate and the House by wide bipartisan margins and became law on Friday. 

The product of divided government—like the U.S. Congress since January—the bill is replete with compromises. 

The debt ceiling is suspended until January 2025, preventing another MAGA-manufactured default crisis before the next election. Education and other nondefense discretionary funding will be close to flat for two years, which was a likely outcome in this Congress anyway given the sharp differences among the majorities in each chamber. The pause in student loan payments will end in September, as the administration planned. While unspent COVID funds are being rescinded, the impact on public schools will be minimal—99 percent of education funding has already been obligated.

The bill also tightens work requirements for some SNAP beneficiaries—a disturbing change—but loosens them for others, including veterans. The nonpartisan CBO estimates that in their entirety, the changes will add 78,000 beneficiaries and increase spending by $2 billion. 

Overall, CBO estimates, the bill will lower the national debt by $1.5 trillion over a decade. That’s half the savings produced by President Biden’s proposed budget, which called for corporations and the wealthy to pay their fair share in taxes. 

Meanwhile, President Biden prepared to veto a Congressional Review Act resolution that would block his plan to cancel student loan debt for people of modest means—90 percent of those who would benefit earn less than $75,000 a year. 

In solidarity, 

"Marc Egan" written as a signature
Marc Egan
Government Relations Director
National Education Association

 
FEATURED ACTION
Confirm Julie Su as Secretary of Labor
She has spent her career fighting for workers and is currently Acting Secretary of Labor.
Take Action  ➤
 
Fully Fund IDEA & Title I
It’s time to fulfill America’s promise of equal opportunity for all students.
Take Action  ➤
 
Support the Equality Act
The Equality Act would give LGBTQ Americans explicit protection from discrimination in key areas of life.
Take Action  ➤
THIS WEEK’S JEERS AND CHEERS
CHEER: Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV) reintroduced the Keep Our PACT Act (S. 1202/H.R. 2715), which would fully fund both IDEA and Title I—critical programs for the students most in need.  
CHEER: Sen. Chris Murphy and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) reintroduced the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act (S. 1762/H.R. 3596) to prohibit the practice of corporal punishment in any school that receives federal funding.  
CHEER: 46 senators voted “no” on the Congressional Review Act resolution that would end President Biden’s student-debt relief program. 
JEER: Sens. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced S. 1473, which would extend Title 42 and expel asylum seekers at the border between the United States and Mexico.  
JEER: 52 senators voted “yes” on the Congressional Review Act resolution that would end President Biden’s student-debt relief program.  

Filed Under: NEA Updates

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