May 24 was the first anniversary of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that cost 19 children and two teachers their lives. In a somber speech, President Biden implored Congress to “please do something” even as he acknowledged the gun lobby and other barriers to progress.
“But there will come a point when our voices are so loud, our determination so clear, that we can no longer be stopped,” the president said.
Meanwhile, a potential government default continues to loom. Both President Biden and Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy expressed optimism that they will reach a deal even as the danger grows. According to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, a default could come as soon as June 1 if Congress fails to raise the debt ceiling.
To fulfill promises made to MAGA Republicans, McCarthy continues to present a false choice: the first default in our country’s 246-year history or cruel, devastating cuts that target students and families while asking nothing of corporations or the wealthiest Americans.
Either of these scenarios would result in massive cuts to education funding, taking supports away from the most vulnerable students in our public schools.
“For decades students with disabilities have faced an uphill battle fighting for and protecting their educational rights,” says Gloria Martinez, a special education teacher and United Teachers Los Angeles’ vice president of elementary schools. “Any further cuts to IDEA fund would put our students’ education and their rights in jeopardy.”
Let Congress know where you stand!
In solidarity,
Marc Egan
Government Relations Director
National Education Association
Failure to raise the debt ceiling would trigger a default that leads to the loss of nearly 800,000 jobs and raises the cost of everything from healthcare to putting food on the table.
CHEER: 203 members of the Housevoted “no” on the Congressional Review Act resolution that would end President Biden’s student-debt relief program.
CHEER: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) introduced an updated version of the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act, which would create a permanent, national program for paid family and medical leave.
CHEER: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) introduced the Healthy Families Act of 2023, which would ensure the United States finally joins virtually every other major country on Earth in guaranteeing paid sick leave to its workers.
JEER: 218 members of the Housevoted “yes” on the Congressional Review Act resolution that would end President Biden’s student-debt relief program.
