National PTA and Families Applaud House FY2020 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations Bill
ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 8, 2019)—National PTA issued the following statement on the appropriations bill passed today by the U.S. House of Representatives that would fund labor, health and human services and education programs for Fiscal Year 2020. The statement can be attributed to National PTA President Jim Accomando:
“National PTA and families applaud the funding increase included in the bill for public education, as well as the dedication of $15 million for the Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFECs) program. Opportunity starts and ends with access to a great education and family engagement is essential to student success and school improvement efforts, which include efforts to make our schools safer. Federal investment in public education and family engagement are critical to ensure every child receives a high-quality education in an environment that is safe and reaches their full potential.
“National PTA and families are also pleased to see the increases in funding in the bill for Title I, Title IV-A and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These programs help ensure our nation’s students have the supports they need to succeed in school as well as receive well-rounded educational opportunities, learn in healthy and safe school environments and have opportunities to use technology in the classroom.
“Additionally, National PTA and families are pleased to see the language included in the bill that clarifies that federal funds cannot be used to purchase firearms or provide firearm training for educators. This language ensures critical resources are not diverted away from essential student support services to put guns in schools. Further, the bill allocates $50 million to support firearm injury and mortality prevention research, with the potential to identify interventions that will save hundreds of thousands of lives.
“For years, PTA members and families nationwide have been advocating for investments in public education, family engagement and programs that ensure all children can learn and thrive in school and beyond. We commend the House Appropriations Committee for acknowledging and addressing the importance of public education, family engagement and these programs, and we urge Congress to raise the budget caps and pass a funding bill that provides critical resources for students, families and schools.”
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. For more information, visit PTA.org.