This week, lawmakers were busy with impeachment hearings, but they managed to make progress toward year-end deals on a number of issues, such as a new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada and a final appropriations bill. Here’s what was happening in DC this week related to education and workforce development:
- Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Anniversary: Policymakers and advocates for ESSA celebrated the four-year anniversary of its passage this week. . An event on the Hill featured discussions on the impacts ESSA has made, and speakers including Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee; Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), the chair of the House Education and Labor committee; and former Committee Chair John Kline (R-MN) all shared their thoughts on the law’s implementation
- Expanding Computer Science Access to Women: On December 9, the House passed a bill to increase access to computer science education for women, sending it to the President to be signed into law. This bill will award grants to incentivize women to pursue computer science degrees.
- Expanded Access to Teacher Education Assistance for College Higher Education (TEACH) Grants: Secretary DeVos proposed a new rule to expand access of TEACH grants by eliminating some certification and annual reporting requirements, reducing the chances that grants are converted to loans, and creating processes for resolving grants that were incorrectly converted to loans. Access is also proposed to be expanded to elementary school educators who teach in high-need areas and. faith-based
- The Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act: On December 10, the House passed the FUTURE Act to allow for permanent funding for historically black colleges and universities, as well as simplify the FAFSA by eliminating up to 22 questions and allowing tax information to be shared from the IRS to the Department of Education.
- Another Appropriations Update: Republican and Democrats have reached a tentative federal spending deal to avoid a government shutdown. Details have not been released, but we will provide more information on education and workforce development funding as soon as it is available.
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