What’s the New Congress Been Up To?

Join NAESP’s Efforts in Promoting Public Schools Week

Please reach out to your representative asking them to cosponsor a resolution recognizing March 25–29 as National Public Schools Week! We also encourage you to share on social media why you are #PublicSchoolProud.

School Infrastructure Hearing and Legislation

On Feb. 26, the House Committee on Education and Labor held a markup on H.R. 865, the Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2019, which would invest $100 billion address physical and digital infrastructure needs in schools. Specifically, the legislation would create a $70 billion grant program and $30 billion tax credit bond program targeted at high-poverty schools with facilities that pose health and safety risks to students and staff. The bill calls for the creation of a comprehensive national database on the condition of public school facilities. In addition to physical facilities, the legislation aims to improve high-speed broadband by helping to ensure that public schools have the reliable and high-speed Internet access they need for digital learning. NAESP strongly supports this legislation and will continue to push for its passage.

Hearing Held on Seclusion and Restraint

On Feb. 27, the House Education and Labor subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education held a hearing titled “Classrooms in Crisis: Examining the Inappropriate Use of Seclusion and Restraint Practices.” NAESP is tracking this legislation and engaging with congressional staff to ensure any bill strikes the right balance and gives educators the appropriate tools and training.

#RaiseTheCaps

NAESP has begun advocacy efforts on the FY 2020 budget, including pushing Congress to raise the budget caps that would restrict discretionary spending on education programs. President Donald Trump released his FY 2020 budget request this week. We expect the Office for Management and Budget to release the related budget appendix on Monday, March 18.

New Congress Meetings on the Hill

Since January, NAESP has met with around 50 congressional offices, mostly with offices of representatives and senators who serve on the education committee, to share the results of the 2019 NAESP Member Advocacy Survey. These conversations serve as a starting point for potential legislation to address and strengthen the issues that NAESP members care about.

Priority Issues for NAESP Members