The House was in recess last week while the Senate was still in session, and congressional action related to education was relatively light, with the main activity being around nominations. The focus on the Hill has begun to shift toward a potential economic recovery-focused plan with announcements expected in the coming weeks, that would include significant investments in rebuilding U.S. infrastructure. Here are a few other relevant notes from last week:
- Labor Secretary Confirmed: On Monday, Marty Walsh was confirmed by the Senate as the Labor Secretary to the Department of Labor. This will be the last confirmation of a political cabinet appointee until the Senate returns after their two-week recess.
- Hearing for the Nomination of Cynthia Marten: On March 24, the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee held a hearing for the nomination of Cynthia Marten to serve as Deputy Secretary of Education. During the hearing, Senator Kaine (D-VA) asked Marten how equity was achieved in CTE programs during her tenure as the Superintendent of San Diego.
- Letter to Invest in Workforce Development: In a letter sent to President Biden, which ACTE signed on to, more than 70 organizations urged the President to invest no less than $100 billion for workforce development in the next recovery package to ensure that all workers have the skills and reemployment assistance necessary for a truly inclusive economic recovery.
- Department of Education’s National Safe School Reopening Summit: Also on March 24, the Department of Education hosted the National Safe School Reopening Summit which gathered together education stakeholders, President Biden, Vice President Harris, First Lady Dr. Biden, Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona and Director of the CDC and Prevention Dr. Rochelle Welensky to discuss best practices on reopening schools quickly and safely. During the event, the Administration made several announcements about the use of COVID-19 relief funds, including the distribution of funds to K-12 funding.
- NAEP 2021 School Reopening Survey: This week, the Department released the findings of its first national survey on school reopening. The findings show progress of schools' efforts to reopen schools for in-person learning, and as of February, the survey results showed 76% of schools were open for full-time or hybrid learning. The Department of Education released a statement on the findings as well.
- New Outreach on SNAP Benefits Eligibility: The Department is urging postsecondary institutions to make direct outreach to students who may meet temporarily expanded eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) guidelines. Expanded eligibility includes any student eligible to participate in federal work study or who has an “expected family contribution” of 0 in the current academic year.
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