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Affirming the Role of the United States in improving access to quality, inclusive Public Education
I am writing in support of H.Res.66, affirming the role of the United States in improving access to quality, inclusive public education and improving learning outcomes for children and adolescents, particularly for girls, around the world.
This resolution highlights how access to education is critical for reducing poverty, improving peace and security, and increasing economic prosperity. Millions of students remain out of school and face multiple barriers to education. In recognition of the United States’ role in addressing the challenges students face to accessing education across the globe, I support the U.S. government:
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including education in all humanitarian response efforts, both bilateral and multilateral
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funding commitments to international basic education through its annual budget requests, and
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using all means at its disposal to promote access to quality education, and to prioritize quality and inclusive education for children in crisis settings.
Equity in education is a critical foundation for a democratic society in which people of all backgrounds are equally included. Without equal opportunities to obtain an education, they will not be able to participate equally in jobs, in voting, and in other crucial areas of life. And when students are not able to learn together, this harms their ability to work together and live and engage with one another later in life.
The concept of inclusion encompasses a whole-school approach that recognizes diversity of all kinds – including race, gender identity, ethnicity, language, and sexual orientation. Welcoming and supporting students who have previously been excluded or made to feel “other” is fundamental to these students’ sense of well-being. At the same time a sense of belongingness among students lays the foundation for learning and academic achievement and for healthy social and peer relationships.
The social and economic benefits of education for girls are well documented. A single year of primary school for a girl has been shown to increase her wages later in life by 10-20%, while the returns on female secondary education increase to 25%. Specifically, of the 25 million children who never start school, 15 million are girls, and in the poorest 20% of households, two-thirds of all school-aged children enroll in school, compared to nine-tenths of children in the richest 20% of households.
Affirming the U.S.'s role in improving global education access is crucial for promoting global stability, economic prosperity, and poverty reduction. It recognizes the U.S. as a leader in international education efforts, complementing global initiatives and promoting education in emergencies. By integrating education into humanitarian responses and meeting its commitments to international education, the U.S. can further empower individuals and communities through education. I urge you to support this resolution, and to give it your vote when it comes up for consideration. Thank you.
To send the above message exactly as worded, text SIGN PJBUGR to 50409 or go to https://resist.bot/petitions/PJBUGR and it will be sent to your congressional representatives requesting their opposition to Medicaid cuts. This is a free service.
Opposing Congressional Budget Cuts to Medicaid as a Major Source of Funding for Public Education
I am writing in opposition to House budget reconciliation legislation currently under consideration that will take away health coverage and leave at least 8.6 million people uninsured as it cuts at least $715 billion in health care spending, mostly from Medicaid, according to initial estimates by the Congressional Budget Office. This is the fourth largest source of federal funding for schools in this country, providing resources that directly impact students.
The federal government now pays 90 percent of the costs of covering Medicaid recipients who gained coverage through the expansion. Proposed legislation will penalize states that cover people who are undocumented with state-only funds by cutting their Medicaid expansion match rates from 90 to 80 percent. The reduction would begin October 1, 2027.
Under section 44132 of the bill, as of the date of enactment, states would be prohibited from establishing any new provider taxes or increasing existing taxes (by increasing the tax rate or increasing the base of the tax). This means that states would no longer be able to use new or increased provider taxes to raise additional revenues to finance their share of Medicaid costs. States would be locked into their existing taxes, even if they have applied taxes only to certain providers - hospitals and nursing homes but not intermediate care facilities, ambulances and managed care plans - or the size of some or most of their taxes are considerably below the safe harbor maximum of six percent. In the past, states have turned to new or increased provider taxes to help close Medicaid budget shortfalls.
Opposing Medicaid cuts in education is important because Medicaid provides crucial funding for school-based health services, particularly for students with disabilities and low-income families. These services, including therapy, medical equipment, and transportation, are often essential for students to access education. Additionally, Medicaid helps schools address the mental health crisis and prevent workforce shortages of school health providers.
Medicaid often provides funding for essential services like therapy and medical equipment that are vital for students with disabilities to attend school and participate in learning. Cuts to Medicaid could result in these students losing access to these critical supports, impacting their ability to learn and succeed. Many students rely on school-based mental health services, and Medicaid helps schools provide these services, such as counseling and support for students struggling with anxiety or depression. Cuts could exacerbate the mental health crisis.
Medicaid funding also supports school-based healthcare programs, which provide preventive care and ongoing treatment for students with chronic illnesses like asthma and diabetes. This helps students stay healthy and attend school, leading to better academic outcomes, and Medicaid reimbursement helps schools cover the cost of personnel, such as school nurses and social workers, who provide essential services to students. Cuts to Medicaid would force schools to divert funds from other educational programs or raise taxes to make up the difference, potentially impacting the overall educational experience.
This will have seismic effects for states that administer Medicaid, the providers they pay and the beneficiaries they serve. I urge you to oppose cuts to Medicaid, both in budget discussions and when you vote. Thank you.
To send the above message exactly as worded, text SIGN PJRJMG to 50409 or go to https://resist.bot/petitions/PJRJMG and it will be sent to your congressional representatives requesting their opposition to Medicaid cuts. This is a free service.
Supporting the Department of Education Protection Act
I am writing in support of the Department of Education Protection Act, H.R.433, to prohibit funds made available to the Department of Education by previous Appropriations Acts from being used for any activity relating to implementing a reorganization of the Department, and for other purposes.
Dismantling the U.S. Department of Education puts billions in school funding, special education programs, and mechanisms for policy enforcement at risk. If Congress does not act quickly, students and educators across the country will suffer devastating consequences.
While the amount of federal P-12 education funding provided is much less than that supplied by states and localities, federal programs include those within ESSA Title I, II, III, and IV, all of which are vital in supporting students from low-income backgrounds, developing and training educators, and providing resources for English learners, alongside other traditionally underserved students.
Furthermore, without the USDOE, students with disabilities will not be ensured the supports they need, student civil rights will not be protected, and essential resources and supports will not be allocated due to the lack of performance data that provides school accountability.
As a supporter of public education, I ask you to:
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Publicly oppose any budget cuts to public education funding
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Vote in favor of the Department of Education Protection Act (H.R. 433)
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Use every lever available, from public statements to floor speeches to committee work to sustain federal supports for public education
This is an emergency, and we need every elected official to take a stand for our children, their future, and our country's future.
Eliminating a central hub of expertise and fracturing the administration of related programs over several other agencies is designed to make them less effective for students and families and hinder cooperation and efficiency between civil servants, states, districts, schools, and colleges and universities. It also puts responsibilities on other agencies that don’t have expertise in those areas, have their own goals and priorities, and provides zero extra funding for hiring, training, or other important planning steps, let alone actual administrative action.
I urge you to support the Department of Education Protection Act, and to give it your vote when it comes up for consideration. Thank you.
To send the above message exactly as worded, text SIGN PQGEXM to 50409 or go to https://resist.bot/petitions/PQGEXM and it will be sent to your congressional representatives requesting their support for the USDOE. This is a free service.
Supporting the IDEA Full Funding Act
I am writing in support of the IDEA Full Funding Act, H.R.2598 and S.1277, to amend part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to provide full Federal funding of such part.
Under IDEA, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for special education. However, that pledge has never been met, and current funding is below 13 percent. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our obligation to America’s children and schools. It is cosponsored by more than 30 Senators and over 60 House members. Text of the IDEA Full Funding Act can be viewed here.
This legislation is supported by a broad and diverse group of over seventy national and local organizations, including by the School Superintendents Association (AASA), the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC).
All children, no matter their zip code, race, disability, or any other factor, should be able to access a full, exceptional education, and this legislation will help school districts provide the necessary resources to make this vision a reality. The current chronic underfunding leaves an unfair burden on students, teachers, schools, and families. This bill holds up the federal government’s end of the bargain to fully fund special education services on a permanent basis and set all students up for long-term success.
The IDEA Full Funding Act reaffirms IDEA's original promise, making it whole over the next ten years. This is a positive step toward ensuring every student with disabilities receives the support and resources they need to realize their full potential and lead rich, fulfilling lives. I urge you to support this legislation as it moves forward through congress, and to vote in the affirmative when it comes up for consideration. Thank you.
To send the above message exactly as worded, text SIGN PSIDUZ to 50409 or go to https://resist.bot/petitions/PSIDUZ and it will be sent to your congressional representatives requesting their support for the E-Rate program. This is a free service.
Supporting Universal Service and E-Rate
I am writing in support of E-rate, also known as the Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund, that provides discounts on telecommunications, Internet access, and internal connections to eligible schools and libraries, making them more affordable for communities.
The Universal Service Fund was established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) after Congress passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996. To help administer the fund, the FCC created the Universal Service Administrative Company, a private not-for-profit corporation that helps determine the amount larger carriers must contribute to it and disburses that money to program beneficiaries, such as public schools and libraries. The fund collects nearly $10 billion annually, with more than 120,000 schools and libraries, 9,000 rural health care providers, 8 million low-income and 1.2 million high cost-area households being served.
There is currently a case before the Supreme Court, known as Federal Communications Commission (FCC) v. Consumers’ Research, challenging whether Congress acted within its Constitutional authority in authorizing the FCC to require providers to contribute to the Universal Service Fund. This is an attempt to revive a long-dormant legal concept known as the nondelegation doctrine claiming that Congress cannot delegate its legislative powers to executive branch agencies. This case will test
whether Congress and the FCC violated the separation of powers accorded to each of the three branches of the federal government.
The Supreme Court has heard the oral arguments and they will make a decision on the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund by June. The outcome may send the very existence of the E-rate program and the Universal Service fund back to Congress. I am writing to ensure that you understand how critical the Universal Service Fund, and the E-rate program in particular, is to public schools, libraries and the communities they serve across our country.
With the pending outcome of this court decision in the balance, I urge you to support the continued existence and administration of the Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund under the direction of the Federal Communications Commission, moving forward in any congressional action that you take. Thank you.
To send the above message exactly as worded, text SIGN PEGIXO to 50409 or go to https://resist.bot/petitions/PEGIXO and it will be sent to your congressional representatives requesting their support for the E-Rate program. This is a free service.
Supporting The Local Public K-12 Schools of the United States
I am writing in support of H.Res.94 - Expressing support for the Nation's local public K-12 schools and S.Res.133 - A resolution expressing support for the local public K-12 schools of the United States. These resolutions express consensus for American public education and condemn any actions that defund public education or weaken or dismantle the United States Department of Education. I believe that it is more important than ever to reaffirm the value of a public education and the unique benefits it gives its students from wide ranging community support, First Amendment rights, and an environment focused on equity and diversity. Public education is vital for a thriving society, fostering individual potential, promoting civic engagement, and driving economic growth by providing equal opportunities and a skilled workforce crucial for our nation's economic prosperity so that everyone can thrive in our modern economy. Public education instills the values of democracy, critical thinking, and civic responsibility, preparing students to be active and informed citizens, bringing all of us together from diverse backgrounds, fostering understanding, respect, and cooperation among different groups. In addition, public education provides access to quality education for all children, regardless of their socio-economic background, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Studies show that educating our citizenry leads to a reduction in crime and improved public health outcomes, and provides a foundation for lifelong learning. As leaders for the common good, you understand how important it is that public education is subject to public oversight and accountability, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used effectively and that schools are serving the needs of the community. It equips each of us with the understanding of our civic responsibility necessary to participate in a democratic society. In closing, support for public education provides a common foundation for all children, regardless of their background, offering opportunities for advancement and success. I am requesting your support for these resolutions as they make their way through congress. Thank you.
To send the above message exactly as worded, text SIGN PAVZVS to 50409 or go to https://resist.bot/petitions/PAVZVS and it will be sent to your congressional representatives requesting their opposition to terminating the federal department of education. This is a free service.
Opposing The Returning Education to Our States Act to Terminate the United
States Department of Education
I am writing in opposition of H.R.899 - To terminate the Department of Education and S.5384 - Returning Education to Our States Act. This legislation is an attack on diversity in the curriculum and efforts of the U.S. Department of Education to hold state and local officials’ accountable for issues of discrimination.
The department’s mission is to foster “equal access” to education by “prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education.” This mission is supported by numerous offices, programs and White House initiatives designed to advance diversity, equity and inclusion. HR 899 would effectively eliminate the Office of Civil Rights, the subagency responsible for enforcing civil rights laws that protect against discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin and disability. That office has been a central tool for holding school districts accountable for the egregious suspension and expulsion rates of African American and Native American children. The office also has routinely engaged in cases on student and employee harassment, retaliation, school tracking and the permissive allowance of hostile environments.
In addition to the Office of Civil Rights, the department houses the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, which coordinates and recommends policy to support children with disabilities, ensure the provision of special education services, and improve the delivery of special and rehabilitation services. Even more, the U.S. Department of Education houses numerous White House initiatives designed to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for students of color and institutions serving high proportions of diverse students.
The executive branch does not have the authority to abolish the Department of Education by executive order. Eliminating a federal agency requires congressional action. It is imperative that the U.S. Department of Education remain operational and fully funded in order to ensure a free, fair and equitable public education for all our citizens. I am asking for you to oppose this legislation, as well as any similar legislation introduced in the 119th congress. Thank you.
To send the above message exactly as worded, text SIGN PUNDIV to 50409 or go to https://resist.bot/petitions/PUNDIV and it will be sent to your congressional representatives requesting their opposition to terminating the federal department of education. This is a free service.
Opposing the Educational Choice for Children Act
I am writing in opposition of H.R.9462 - Educational Choice for Children Act and S.120 - Educational Choice for Children Act. This legislation will spend $5 billion a year in taxpayer funds, totaling $20 billion over a four-year period, creating a system for privileging certain charities over others. They prioritize donations to private schools over charities that address other issues, such as food banks, churches, and homelessness shelters. The benefit for donating to private schools would be 2-3 times more than other charitable organizations, according to the National Coalition for Public Education.
Despite private schools being able to discriminate against different student groups, such as those with disabilities and LGBTQ+ students, the legislation offers no protections for students. Notably, the only mention of non-discrimination in the bill language is about ensuring religious private schools are eligible for the same benefits as secular private schools. The legislation offers two opportunities for discrimination against students: the scholarship granting organizations, which also take a cut of the money, can discriminate against the students they choose to provide vouchers to, and the private schools can discriminate against the students they choose to accept into their schools.
It is difficult to justify spending $20 billion to create a new federal system for private education when we have a public education system struggling with a lack of funds. This proposal further defunds public education at a troubling time for our nation’s schools. The drop in pandemic relief funding, combined with state tax cuts, inflation, and existing state voucher programs has caused schools across the country to consider mass layoffs, program cuts, and even school closures. For all of these reasons, I am asking for you to oppose this legislation as it makes its way through congress, as well as any similar legislation introduced in the 119th congress. Thank you.
To send the above message exactly as worded, text SIGN PCYVZH to 50409 or go to https://resist.bot/petitions/PCYVZH and it will be sent to your congressional representatives requesting their opposition to the Educational Choice for Children Act. This is a free service.
Supporting the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act
I am writing in support of H.R.5166 - Protecting Sensitive Locations Act and S.455 - A bill to amend section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to limit immigration enforcement actions at sensitive locations, to clarify the powers of immigration officers at sensitive locations, and for other purposes. No one should live in fear of being detained while taking their child to school, seeking medical care, or practicing their faith. Allowing ICE to invade spaces where people access health care, education, justice, and prayer is cruel and unnecessary, as well as a threat to public safety. When people are too frightened to seek medical care or report a crime, the entire community suffers. This bill prohibits immigration enforcement actions within 1,000 feet of a sensitive location except in exigent circumstances.
Sensitive locations include:
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health care facilities;
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schools and school bus stops;
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places that provide assistance for people such as places that provide disaster or emergency services;
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places of worship;
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courthouses and lawyers’ offices;
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facilities used as polling places;
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public assistance offices.
The prohibition shall apply to Department of Homeland Security officers and agents, as well as state employees pursuing immigration enforcement actions. I am asking for you to support this legislation as it makes its way through congress. Thank you.
To send the above message exactly as worded, text SIGN PWQJFO to 50409 or go to https://resist.bot/petitions/PWQJFO and it will be sent to your congressional representatives requesting their support for the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act. This is a free service.
Supporting Reauthorization of The
Peace Corps Act
With all that's going on in America right now, we must not forget the impact of Americans serving abroad. The Peace Corps is one such entity that has worked diligently to promote world peace and friendship through community-based development and intercultural understanding since its inception for more than 60 years. There are currently thousands of Peace Corps Volunteers serving in a myriad of capacities in 58 countries around the globe, hundreds of thousands of returned Peace Corps Volunteers who have undeniably had their lives changed for the better because of their service experience, and hundreds of civil servants working diligently every day to help sustain The Peace Corps' day-to-day operations. Furthermore, within each country that The Peace Corps serves, local nationals are hired to support the in-country operations and the sustainability of strategic partnerships. Please support reauthorization of The Peace Corps Act and release the funding streams through USAID that Peace Corps volunteers around the world utilize to support the communities they serve.
To send the above message exactly as worded, text SIGN PRURYQ to 50409 or go to https://resist.bot/petitions/PRURYQ and it will be sent to your congressional representatives requesting their support for reauthorization of The Peace Corps Act. This is a free service.
