Heidi May Wilson, Senior Manager, Media Relations
ALEXANDRIA, Va., (March 14, 2023)—National ϳԹissued the following statement on President Joe Biden’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024. The statement can be attributed to National ϳԹPresident Anna King:
“President Biden’s FY24 budget proposal requests $90 billion for the U.S. Department of Education—a $10.8 billion increase over current budget allocations. The two largest spending categories for education in the proposal are for high-poverty schools and special education services at $20.5 billion and $16.8 billion respectively. National ϳԹis pleased to see the proposal makes investments in education and addresses long-standing educational inequities. Our association has continuously advocated for increased and equitable federal investment in our public education system to ensure all children have access to adequately funded public schools that improve their overall well-being and allow them to reach their full potential.
“Our association is also pleased to see the proposal includes $428 million for school-based mental health grants; $15 billion to allow more states and schools to leverage participation in the Community Eligibility Program and provide healthy and free school meals to all children; and $368 million to help districts implement integrated supports to help meet student and family social, emotional, mental and physical health needs through partnerships with community-based organizations and other entities. Providing comprehensive wraparound services to students and their families is critical to ensure the needs of the whole child are met, which is also essential to make sure all children can reach their fullest potential.
“Our association also appreciates the requests included in the proposal to expand access to high-quality preschool and affordable, high-quality early childcare and learning; address critical educator shortages and improve the diversity of the teacher pipeline; increase access to high-speed, affordable and reliable internet; and protect equal access to education through the enforcement of civil rights laws.
“All children have the right to a high-quality, fair and equitable education in a safe, welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment. And it is essential that their social, emotional and mental health needs are met. Our children are the future of our nation, and it is critical that we help them reach their full potential and carry our nation into a brighter future. We stand ready to work with the Administration and Congress to make sure the investments in the proposal as well as investments in meaningful family engagement become a reality.”
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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. ϳԹis 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 ϳԹis 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.