For Immediate Release: June 7, 2016

Contact: Renee Rybak Lang, renee.lang@nasbe.org, 703-740-4841

Alexandria, Va. — Today the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Subcommittee considered legislation to establish fiscal 2017 funding levels for the U.S. Department of Education and other departments under its jurisdiction. NASBE Executive Director Kristen Amundson expressed support today for the subcommittee’s decision to increase funding for the Department of Education’s critically important formula programs.

“Strong formula programs are invaluable to public education, and we’re pleased by the subcommittee’s decision to increase ESSA, Title I, and the IDEA State Grants’ program funding. NASBE also commends the subcommittee for providing the money needed to complete the work of the existing 18 Preschool Development Grant states, but we intend to fight hard for the additional resources needed to expand the program. We need to invest more in the nation’s youngest learners,” said Amundson.

The National Association of State Boards of Education represents America’s state and territorial boards of education. Our principal objectives are to strengthen state leadership in education policymaking, advocate equality of access to educational opportunity, promote excellence in the education of all students, and ensure responsible lay governance of education. Learn more at www.nasbe.org.

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