The National School Boards Association (NSBA) urges the House Appropriations Committee to pass its proposed 2020 budget, which contains a $4.4 billion increase from last year in education funding. The budget prioritizes areas that include special education, academic enrichment and student support, professional development for teachers and school leaders, afterschool programs and school safety.

As the committee considers the budget this morning, NSBA Executive Director and CEO Thomas J. Gentzel expressed support for the bill in a letter to House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro and Ranking Member Tom Cole.

“This appropriations bill will help our school districts and parents address the unique needs of students with disabilities,” said Gentzel. “It will enable our school districts to provide more services essential to student success in core subject areas such as mathematics and reading comprehension. Your Subcommittee mark will allow our public schools to provide greater opportunities for student enrichment, parental engagement and professional development for our teachers and school leaders.”

NSBA launched a new initiative to advocate for the reauthorization and full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) earlier this year. The appropriations bill includes a $1 billion increase for special education programs operating under the law, demonstrating Congress’ commitment to the 6.9 million students educated through IDEA.

The bill also includes increased funds for critical programs under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to support low-income students and teacher training and professional development programs.

Read Gentzel's full letter to the Chairwoman DeLauro and Ranking Member Cole.