Call for robust and equitable investments in public education to ensure all schools have the resources to help every child learn, grow and succeed
ALEXANDRIA, Va., (Feb. 11, 2019)—Tomorrow, National PTA Vice President of Membership Anna King will bring the voice of families and child advocates to Capitol Hill, testifying before the House Committee on Education and Labor at a hearing titled, Underpaid Teachers and Crumbling Schools: How Underfunding Public Education Shortchanges America’s Students. In her testimony, King will underscore the critical need for Congress to invest in public education to make every child’s potential a reality.
“Decades of federal underinvestment in public education has created unsustainable situations in so many of our nation’s schools, shortchanging students,” says King. “We must do better. We have to do better. Our children’s and our nation’s future depend on it.”
“It is our nation’s public schools that will provide the educated, innovative and creative workforce of tomorrow—the entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, artists and political leaders who will ensure our nation will flourish in an increasingly competitive global economy. All schools must be equitably funded and have the resources needed to help every child learn, grow and succeed,” King adds.
National PTA has long advocated to ensure all children have access to equitably funded public schools that improve their overall well-being and help them achieve academic and long-term success. As outlined in King’s testimony, the association urges Congress to: 1) Raise discretionary spending caps, 2) Better fund critical programs in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 3) Increase investments in family engagement through the Statewide Family Engagement Centers program, and 4) Ensure public schools are included in any infrastructure package.
“Federal funding for public education programs has remained at approximately 2% of the federal budget for decades, despite the increase in public school enrollment and the rising cost of education resources and services,” King says. “It’s time Congress does its part and prioritizes investments in public schools and our children to ensure they have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential and to grow our economy and improve our competitiveness.”
National PTA and its constituents remain committed to advocating at the federal, state and local levels for robust and equitable investments in public schools.
To read King’s testimony and to watch a livestream of the hearing beginning at 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, visit https://edlabor.house.gov/hearings/underpaid-teachers-and-crumbling-schools-how-underfunding-public-education-shortchanges-americas-students-.
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.