National PTA Statement on FY2017 Appropriations Bill

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 9, 2017)—President Trump signed a spending bill that funds federal programs and services through September 2017. The bill cuts overall funding for education by $1 billion and does not include funding for the Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFECs) program.

“National PTA is extremely disappointed that funding for education is reduced by an astounding $1 billion and that the SFECs program is not funded in the bill,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA. “Opportunity starts and ends with access to a great education. Federal investment in education and family engagement are critical to children and the nation’s long-term success.”

National PTA is disappointed that the bill cuts vital funding for public education by $1 billion, including a $200 million cut to teacher and principal professional development grants among many other education programs. However, the association is encouraged to see that an additional $100 million is designated for Title I—which aids schools with high percentages of children from low-income families—as well as an additional $90 million for special education grants through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The association is also pleased that $400 million has been designated for Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants to ensure students receive well-rounded educational opportunities, learn in healthy and safe school environments and have opportunities to use technology in the classroom.

Funding for family engagement programs like SFECs is a top priority for National PTA, particularly as the Every Student Succeeds Act is being implemented. The SFECs program would provide states and districts with the capacity to support implementation and enhancement of meaningful family engagement policies and initiatives.It would also empower parents and families with the resources they need to ensure their children are provided the best opportunities to thrive and learn. Family engagement in education has demonstrated direct benefits to student achievement and school improvement.

“National PTA is encouraged by the increases for Title I and special education,” said Nathan R. Monell, CAE, National PTA executive director. “However, we are deeply concerned about the decrease in overall funding for education and the lack of funding for the SFECs program. National PTA remains committed to advocating to ensure Congress and the Administration adequately invest in public education and family engagement programs in fiscal year 2018. We must make every child’s potential a reality in order to improve our nation’s economic competitiveness.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

JC/DC ACTION ALERT: MO Empowerment Scholarships Account Program

** PLACED ON CALENDAR FOR FULL HOUSEVOTE** Please contact your Representatives now!

SB 313 has been placed on the House calendar.

SB 313 would establish the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program

The Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program is a particular concern for PTA because this program would create an account that would allow taxpayers to may make a qualifying contribution to an educational assistance organization and claim a tax credit, as described in the act. The tax credit is for one hundred percent of the amount of the contribution. The tax credit may be carried forward for four years and may be transferred, sold, or assigned. The scholarships will be used in private schools effectively creating a voucher system in Missouri.

Missouri PTA encourages you to send emails to your Representatives but also to directly call their office and let them know your feelings on this bill. We know the governor will sign this if it gets to his desk. Please share this with all of your friends; we need lots of help to defeat this bill. This is our LAST CHANCE to stop vouchers in Missouri!

Dear Representative,

The Empowerment Scholarship Account is not good for students and parents, taxpayers and Missouri’s public schools for the following reasons:

Irresponsible expansion of tax credits when the state is facing massive shortfalls in the current budget. The Governor indicated in his State of the State address that he is opposed to the expansion of tax credits, particularly given the shortfalls in the budget. Every tax dollar the state loses through a tax credit reduces the treasury further. This bill would allow for $25 million less per year, when approximately $9 million was withheld from K-12 a mere two weeks ago.

This is a voucher in a bad disguise. This bill attempts to funnel public funds to private schools and home schools. It also allows these funds to be spent on for-profit schools, including virtual schools, with no oversight. This bill is not about seeking quality education for students. This bill is not about choice but about killing public education as we know it, with no assurances that education will be delivered at all.

Lack of financial oversight of the schools receiving the funds. There is no accountability required of the schools receiving these funds. These entities are not required to be located in Missouri or governed by Missouri residents. These entities can be for-profit institutions created solely to earn money off of the backs of Missouri students. They could be fly-by-night organizations that deliver no actual education, but profit at the expense of Missouri taxpayers.

Lack of educational oversight of the schools receiving the funds. These schools are not required to administer the MAP, identify or educate students with disabilities, or be accredited by any organization. Missouri tax dollars will be spent for students to be taught by teachers without certification or the specialized knowledge to identify learning disabilities, dyslexia, etc. The teachers and education providers receiving the funds are not even required to undergo a criminal background check. Missouri tax dollars could be spent on services and therapies that are not educationally sound. The bill states that a school “shall not be required to alter its creed, practices, admissions policy, or curriculum in order to accept students” under a scholarship, which means students with disabilities could be denied enrollment and students with disabilities can be refused specialized education. Schools could deny enrollment based on economic status or grades.

Expands education beyond the age of 21. Unlike free public education, which expires once the student turns 21 or graduates high school, parents and students may continue to receive these scholarships indefinitely as long as the student does not complete high school or passes a test for admission to college. 166.705.2

Please oppose SB 313 by voting no.

Sincerely,

You name and PTA

Not sure how to contact your state legislators? Click here and insert your street address or 9-digit zip code.

Carla Wiese

Vice President & Director of Legislation and Advocacy

[email protected]