It’s time to step up, as federal COVID-19 relief funding for our public schools comes to an end. The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds have been a game changer, providing crucial support for one-on-one tutoring, after-school programs, and assistance for students with disabilities. In the wake of the pandemic, our schools have become critical safety nets for our communities, offering not only education but also vital support services. This has been especially true for Black, brown, lower-income, newly immigrated, and disabled students, who have faced unique challenges during this time.
As our communities nationwide have come to expect more from our schools, the need for sustained investment is clearer than ever. Programs offering mental health support, enrichment activities, and vital resources are key to helping all students thrive. Without ongoing funding, these essential services are at risk of disappearing just when they are needed most. That’s where the Keep Our PACT Act (S. 1202/H.R. 2715) and the IDEA Full Funding Act (S. 2217/H.R. 4519) come into play. These bills would establish a mandatory 10-year path to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title I of the Every Student Succeeds Act, ensuring our most vulnerable students across the country get the support they need.
Take action for these changes in three ways today:
- Amplify the message: Follow the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools and share the word!
- Join an action near you: Stand in solidarity with others fighting for an equitable public education.
- Reach out to Congress: It only takes 30 seconds to tell your representatives to back the Keep Our PACT and IDEA Full Funding Acts.
Let’s ensure our public school communities get the funding they need to thrive.