Tomorrow morning (Wednesday, May 17), the House Committee on Education and the Workforce has scheduled a committee markup session to review and vote on H.R. 2353, the “Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act.” The Committee meeting can be viewed online via live webcast at 10:00 am (EDT)/9:00 am (CDT).
Tag Archives: U.S. House of Representatives
President Signs Spending Bill to Fund Federal Government Thru Sept. 30
Last week Congress avoided a possible shutdown of the federal government when it approved and sent to President Trump a consolidated appropriations bill (H.R. 244) to fund public education and other federal programs throughout the remainder of federal Fiscal Year 2017, which runs through Sept. 30. The so-called “omnibus” bill (H.R. 244) was passed by the House of Representatives on a vote of 309-118 and by the U.S. Senate on a vote of 79-18. It was signed into law by President Trump on May 5.
Overall, in the education area, the FY 2017 omnibus bill, makes net cuts of about $1.1 billion, but provides a more than a $1 billion increase compared with comparable 2016 funding levels for Title I grants for disadvantaged students, special education, Impact Aid, and student support programs under Title IV (ESSA). The text of the bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and Education is available here. Continue reading President Signs Spending Bill to Fund Federal Government Thru Sept. 30
Federal Healthcare Changes Could Impact Students and Schools
After a postponement of Thursday’s (3/23) scheduled vote, the U.S. House of Representatives may take up its bill to repeal and replace sections of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also called Obamacare, later today (3/24).
The bill includes numerous changes to the ACA, but most significantly for schools, the bill modifies how the federal government will fund the Medicaid program (also known as Medical Assistance or MA), including how the federal government funds their share of state Medicaid Costs. The bill would enact a per capita cap on federal Medicaid payments to states, thus jeopardizing the Medicaid funding schools receive to provide healthcare services to students, including students with disabilities. Continue reading Federal Healthcare Changes Could Impact Students and Schools
Congress, President to Repeal Obama-era Accountability Regulations
On Thursday (March 9), the U.S. Senate by a vote of 50-49 approved a resolution (H.J.Res. 57) to invoke its authority under the federal Regulatory Control Act to repeal the Accountability and State Plan regulations promulgated last November by the Obama Administration under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). (The Regulatory Control Act allows congressional disapproval of previously promulgated federal regulations under certain conditions.)
Earlier, the U.S. House of Representatives had approved the measure 234 – 190 on Tuesday (March 7). The measure heads to the White House, where President Trump is expected to approve it, effectively repealing the regulations issued under the former Administration.
Continue reading Congress, President to Repeal Obama-era Accountability Regulations
State Republicans Savor Election Sweep, Democrats Return to the Drawing Board
As results of the Nov. 8 election rolled in, Wisconsin Republicans increased their majorities in both houses of the state Legislature, gaining one seat in each house. State Republicans also captured the open 8th Congressional District seat being vacated by the retiring U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble (R- Sherwood), saw U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Oshkosh) reelected, and witnessed Donald Trump carry the state and its 10 Electoral College votes on his way to the presidency. All incumbent Republicans on Tuesday’s ballot were reelected, a rare feat.
When the 2017-18 Legislative session begins in January, state Senate Republicans will enjoy a 20-13 advantage over Democrats in the upper House, up from the current 19-14 advantage they hold, while in the lower House state Assembly Republicans’ advantage will increase from 63-36 to 64-35. Continue reading State Republicans Savor Election Sweep, Democrats Return to the Drawing Board
November Advocacy Tip: Research & VOTE
Next Tuesday, Nov. 8, is the Fall General Election. In this month’s tip we will provide information on how to determine who is on your ballot and how to research their positions on the issues (K-12 education, perhaps?).
- Determine who your candidates are. At My Vote Wisconsin you can enter your address to see what races will be on your ballot Nov. 8.
- Do some research on the positions of the candidates. Wisconsin Eye has over 100 interviews with candidates which asks for thoughts on K-12 Education among other issues. You can also search for candidate websites which typically contain some type of platform.
- Find you polling place. My Vote Wisconsin also has an address search for polling places.
- When in doubt, utilize My Vote Wisconsin as a one stop shop for the above information as well as how to register to vote and photo ID requirements.
Several Current/Former School Board Members on Tuesday’s Primary Ballot
Several current or former school board members will be on the partisan primary ballot for various offices next Tuesday, August 9, 2016: Terry McNulty (Southern Door) is running as a Republican for the 8th Congressional seat currently held by retiring U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble. Mary Hoeft (Rice Lake) is running in the 7th Congressional District Democratic primary. Michael Bonds (MPS) and John Lemberger (Oshkosh) are running as Democrats for state Senate seats in the 6th and 18th State Senate districts, respectively. Finally, Sam Kelly (Kaukauna), a Democrat, and Jordan Karweik (Waterford Graded), a Republican, are running for the state Assembly in the 5th and 83rd Assembly districts, respectively. If we have missed anyone please let us know! Continue reading Several Current/Former School Board Members on Tuesday’s Primary Ballot