Welcome to the new EdAction in Congress! Our new look is part of a larger effort that includes a new action center on nea.org with issue explainers and other helpful information.
I’m Marc Egan, NEA’s Director of Government Relations. I plan to use this space to provide an update on what’s happening in the U.S. Congress—with an emphasis on how you can help effect change at the federal level.
This week, our focus is on funding after Feb. 18, when current funding for all federal agencies expires unless Congress acts. NEA is advocating for funding increases to address long-standing problems, like the educator shortage, and the chronic shortchanging of programs serving the students most in need, like Title I and IDEA.
Last summer, the House voted to increase U.S. Department of Education funding by 41 percent—the biggest percentage increase for any agency. Compared to this year, Title I funding would double, special education funding would rise by $3 billion, and community schools would receive $443 million—far above the $30 million they now get.
As a parent of two public school students — one in elementary, one in middle school — I have seen how difficult and exhausting the third school year of the pandemic has been. I look forward to working with you to shape a better future. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or just passionate about public education, we need your help to make our schools the best they can be.
Sincerely,
Marc Egan
Government Relations Director
National Education Association
Tell your senators and representative to push for an omnibus budget bill that includes the historic level of education funding previously approved by the House.
CHEER: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Reps. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), and Katie Porter (D-CA) led a letter signed by 85 Democrats urging President Biden to release a legal memo prepared by his administration on executive action to cancel student debt.
CHEER: Sens. Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) sent a letter urging President Biden and Vice President Harris to include the expanded Child Tax Credit in any updated Build Back Better package.
