Action Items
Add your voice to these important messaging
campaigns to decisionmakers powered by
Our Monthly Newsletter!
Support Educator Professional Learning and Career Sustainability through these
4 Pending Pieces of Federal Legislation
I am writing to urge you to support current congressional legislation in support of educator professional learning and career sustainability.
The Respect, Advancement, and Increasing Support for Educators(RAISE) Act of 2025, H.R.1611 and S.1697, proposes to create new refundable tax credits for teachers, increase the educator tax deduction for school supplies, and increase funding for programs that support teacher recruitment, retention, and professional development.
The Teachers Are Leaders Act (H.R.5056) proposes to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide for teacher leader development, with a focus on high-need schools and colleges partnering to use funds for these programs to focus in areas like peer coaching and curriculum development, with the goal of improving teacher retention and student achievement.
The Preparing and Retaining Education Professionals (PREP) Act (H.R.5476) aims to support evidence-based programs for developing a diverse and well-prepared teaching workforce by addressing shortages, supporting evidence-based programs, increasing diversity, enhancing partnerships and streamlining data collection and the use of program data to enhance overall quality.
The American Teacher Act (H.R. 2021) focuses on increasing teacher salaries, including provisions for teacher professional development through grants to state and local education agencies, with the intended outcome of minimum salaries of $60,000 annually, adjusted for inflation, plus cost-of-living adjustments and a national campaign to promote the teaching profession and encourage more people to enter it.
I urge you to support each of these pieces of legislation in support of public education and the professionals who serve our children, in committee, on the floor, and when a vote comes up for any and all of these bills. Thank you.
To send the above message exactly as worded, text SIGN PLFBGI to 50409 or go to https://resist.bot/petitions/PLFBGI and it will be sent to your congressional representatives requesting they take action. This is a free service.
Support the Universal Prekindergarten
and Early Childhood Education Act of 2025
I am writing to urge you to support the Universal Prekindergarten and Early Childhood Education Act of 2025, H.R.5524, introduced by Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton of the District of Columbia in September of this year.
The bill proposes to provide federal funds for states to establish and expand prekindergarten programs in public and public charter schools for every child, regardless of income or zip code. The bill would afford the benefits of early childhood education to all families, many of whom are currently not able to afford the cost.
The intent of the bill is to provide funding for states to add prekindergarten for children at three and four years of age, similar to kindergarten programs for five-year-olds now routinely available in public schools. It eliminates major shortcomings of currently available day care and take advantage of the existing infrastructure, trained teachers and safe facilities required in public schools.
The success of Head Start and other prekindergarten programs, combined with scientific evidence on the importance of brain development in early childhood, morally mandates the expansion of early childhood education for all children. This bill is a practical way to create universal, public prekindergarten, providing the benefits of early childhood education to those who have been left out of this essential educational opportunity.
Through this legislation, federal funds are provided to states, matching by at least 20 percent of the state’s own funding, and the resulting full-day classes run throughout the school year would be taught by teachers who possess equivalent or similar qualifications to those teaching other grades in public school. These funds would supplement, not supplant, other federal funds for early childhood education, with a unique, money-saving aspect of using existing public-school infrastructure, saving billions of dollars in implementation costs.
For all of these reasons, I urge you to support the Universal Prekindergarten and Early Childhood Education Act of 2025, H.R.5524, and vote in its favor when it comes up for passage. Thank you.
To send the above message exactly as worded, text SIGN PLVAZW to 50409 or go to https://resist.bot/petitions/PLVAZW and it will be sent to your congressional representatives requesting they take action. This is a free service.
Extend the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000
I am writing to urge you to extend the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, H. R. 1383. The Senate version, S.356, already was passed in June of 2025.
Since 2000, Congress has reauthorized the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act through enacting, amending and updating public law, ensuring that rural communities with large tracts of federal land can continue to access vital funds for schools, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency services. This funding supports essential local services like schools, roads, and emergency services, which would otherwise be jeopardized, particularly after decades of declining revenue from federal timber sales. The program's funding helps to stabilize budgets, maintain infrastructure, and provide educational and public safety resources for residents.
Because Congress failed to extend Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, the program is now behind schedule. The program is a historically bipartisan lifeline for rural communities who rely on other forms of revenue that have been limited by federal action and are highly impacted by federal lands. Since its enactment, SRS has provided $7 billion in payments to more than 700 counties and 4,400 school districts across 40 states.
The Senate’s unanimous passage of legislation to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools program is a critical first step in meeting the federal government’s responsibility to rural communities containing tax-exempt public lands. Without SRS, many counties across the country will fall short of the financial means to provide for these integral community functions.
In particular, rural schools depend on SRS funds to provide vital resources, maintain buildings, and offer specialized programs. Without it, schools face significant cuts. This funding is vital for public education, allowing schools to avoid severe budget cuts, staff layoffs, and program reductions, and instead support essential services like hiring teachers, maintaining facilities, and providing special programs for students. Without this program, these schools face financial crises, and their communities will struggle even more to fund other basic essential services.
For all of these reasons, I urge you to support the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, H. R. 1383, bringing it to a floor vote in the House so that it can achieve passage. Thank you.
To send the above message exactly as worded, text SIGN PJPFLI to 50409 or go to https://resist.bot/petitions/PJPFLI and it will be sent to your congressional representatives requesting they take action. This is a free service.
Supporting the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons Act
I am writing in support of the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons Act, S.332 and H.R.768, also known as the HEAL act, directing the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum to conduct a study on Holocaust education efforts in public schools nationwide.
There is growing evidence that knowledge about the Holocaust is fading. A recent survey on global antisemitic attitudes found that 20% of respondents had never heard of the Holocaust. Less than half of respondents recognize the Holocaust’s historical accuracy, dropping to 39% among those aged 18 to 34 — highlighting the troubling decline in Holocaust education and awareness among younger generations.
The HEAL Act will:
-
Determine which states and school districts require or do not require Holocaust education in their curriculum;
-
Determine which states and school districts offer optional Holocaust education;
-
Identify the standards and requirements schools mandate on this Holocaust education;
-
Determine the range of intended outcomes from a Holocaust education lesson plan and whether public schools use certain qualitative and quantitative strategies in their Holocaust education;
-
Identify the types and quality of instructional materials used to teach about the Holocaust
-
Identify in what school disciplines Holocaust education is being taught and the duration and comprehensiveness of any Holocaust-related courses/lessons provided by public schools;
-
Identify the approaches used by schools to assess what students learn; and
-
Report the results of the study to Congress.
Currently, while 29 states have laws requiring public school students to learn about the horrors of the Holocaust, 21 continue to lack comprehensive or mandatory Holocaust education laws. This gap in standardized Holocaust education is particularly concerning as antisemitism surges to unprecedented levels around the country. The Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) most recent Audit of Antisemitic Incidents captured 8,873 incidents throughout the U.S. — a 140% increase from 2022 and the highest number on record since ADL began tracking these events in 1979.
I urge you to support the Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons 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 PXXVYA to 50409 or go to https://resist.bot/petitions/PXXVYA and it will be sent to your congressional representatives requesting their support for the HEAL Act. This is a free service.
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:
-
including education in all humanitarian response efforts, both bilateral and multilateral
-
funding commitments to international basic education through its annual budget requests, and
-
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 support of inclusive public education. 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 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 socioeconomic 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.833 - Educational Choice for Children Act and S.292 - 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.1061 - 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:
-
health care facilities;
-
schools and school bus stops;
-
places that provide assistance for people such as places that provide disaster or emergency services;
-
places of worship;
-
courthouses and lawyers’ offices;
-
facilities used as polling places;
-
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.
