ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Aug. 1, 2019)—National PTA issued the following statement on the budget deal passed today by the U.S. Senate. The statement can be attributed to National PTA President Leslie Boggs:
“National PTA and families commend Congress for coming together and reaching a bipartisan agreement that will raise the caps on defense and non-defense discretionary funding for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 as well as suspend the debit ceiling until July 31, 2021. We also applaud Congress for including in the agreement a significant increase in non-defense discretionary funding.
“National PTA and PTA advocates across the country have been urging Congress to raise the budget caps to provide equitable and continued investments in our nation’s children. This was our ask to Congress during our 2019 Legislative Conference in March, and we are pleased that Congress answered our call.
“The long-term success of our nation depends on robust and equitable public investments in our education system. Our association has long advocated to ensure all children have access to equitably-funded public schools that improve their overall well-being and help them reach their full potential. From a lack of textbooks and technology to crumbling infrastructure and not enough school counselors to support students and provide mental health services, far too many children have been left with insufficient resources. Federal investments in education are critical to make sure schools have the proper resources to help every child learn, grow and succeed.
“With the budget deal reached, we now call on Congress to provide a robust allocation for education and child well-being and fund the vital programs that support students most in need, make sure every child learns in healthy and safe school environments and strengthen family engagement in education. These programs provide critical resources for families and schools and help ensure all children have the opportunities and supports they need to thrive in school and beyond.”
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.