Latest news with #High-QualityCharterSchoolsAct
Politico
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Politico
Charters press for space in reconciliation debate
Presented by Third Way With help from Mackenzie Wilkes and Bianca Quilantan CHARTER CHATTER — Charter schools are angling to influence the massive congressional budget reconciliation bill amid broader momentum for school choice. — Education Secretary Linda McMahon on Friday said her agency will pump an additional $60 million into this year's federal Charter Schools Program and unveiled a new kind of charter school development grant, atop a potential funding expansion from the Trump administration's budget proposal. A bipartisan group of senators also reintroduced legislation to streamline the process of opening new campuses. — The charter industry still wants more for the publicly-funded campuses as private school boosters push to cement a multibillion-dollar federal tax credit program that would fund scholarships for private tuition and other educational expenses, including for wealthy families. — A lobbying campaign featuring Eva Moskowitz, the head of Success Academy Charter Schools, is pressing the GOP to include the High-Quality Charter Schools Act in their bill — a federal tax credit for qualified charitable contributions made to nonprofit charter school organizations. — 'The President campaigned on universal school choice, and you can't have universal if you have half of the equation,' Moskowitz told your host in Washington after a congressional hearing where Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) criticized House Republicans for not including the charter tax credit. 'You're going to have a broader coalition if you include a public school choice.' — Moskowitz, who was floated as a potential Education secretary during President Donald Trump's first term, said she's talking with McMahon and the agency's legislative affairs team as negotiations continue in the House and Senate. — 'There are a lot of twists and turns in what the final package will be between now and when the music stops,' she said. IT'S MONDAY, MAY 19. WELCOME TO WEEKLY EDUCATION. Library defenders in a Trump-friendly Southern California city are taking their fight to the ballot as public libraries have become a conservative culture-war target across the country. Reach out with tips to today's host at jperez@ and also my colleagues Becca Carballo (rcarballo@ Bianca Quilantan (bquilantan@ and Mackenzie Wilkes (mwilkes@ Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. You'll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the day's biggest stories. In Congress DOLLARS AND SENSE — McMahon is scheduled to face congressional appropriators on Wednesday to detail the Trump administration's proposal to slash her agency's budget. — She's also facing criticism from senior Democrats about federal funds schools need for the coming academic year. States and school districts only learned last week about preliminary amounts of fiscal 2025 funding they can expect from the government's Title I grant program for students from low-income households, Sens. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) said in a letter to McMahon. — The delayed allocation gives states less time to plan the use of money meant for the lowest-performing schools and students, the Democrats said. — 'We implore the Department to reverse course, stop creating chaos, provide states and school districts with information about the resources Congress provided in the 2025 appropriations law and begin to support states and their school districts in the effective implementation of federal law,' they added. A department spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. HOUSE E&W DOES ITS PART — The House Education and Workforce Committee's overhaul of federal student aid programs as part of the GOP budget bill exceeds the savings Chair Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) was tasked with finding, Mackenzie reports. — By the numbers: The House education committee's portion of the GOP budget bill is estimated to produce $349.1 billion in savings, according to a new score from the Congressional Budget Office. The latest score comes after preliminary estimates from the CBO showed that the committee's policies would decrease deficits by $351 billion. The panel was tasked with finding at least $330 billion in savings. — The plan would place stricter limits on federal loans borrowers can take out, repeal regulations related to gainful employment and borrower defense, make significant changes to the Pell Grant and limit the Education Department's authority to issue regulations that would increase federal costs related to student loan programs. — The largest portion of the panel's savings would come from repealing and replacing former President Joe Biden's student loan repayment program known as SAVE. Overall changes to student loan repayments would reduce spending by $294.6 billion between 2025 and 2034. Republicans have proposed replacing the Biden-era income-driven repayment plan with two pared-down options. Borrowers could opt for fixed monthly payments over a certain period of time based on debt load or an income-based plan dubbed the 'Repayment Assistance Plan.' — The CBO notes that there's some uncertainty with current law spending, given that federal courts have had the SAVE program on hold for months. — 'Participation data are limited and incomplete because, as a result of pending litigation, borrowers enrolled in that plan have been placed in administrative forbearance, and applications for most IDR plans have been closed,' the CBO report says. 'Actual participation in the SAVE Plan, if fully implemented in the future, or in the legislation's proposed IDR plan may be higher or lower than CBO estimates.' Teacher Unions A 2025 CAMPAIGN — The National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers are launching a $2 million media campaign and mobilization effort in an effort to oppose Republican lawmakers' budget plans alongside other public service unions in more than a dozen congressional districts. — The unions say their Put Families First campaign 'will center the stories of the workers who keep our communities running and know firsthand the devastating impact reckless cuts will have on working families.' The labor groups will share their stories within targeted congressional districts via television, streaming, social media and more. — A union official said the targeted congressional districts are in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. EYES EMOJI — AFT President Randi Weingarten is set to publish a book in September. Publishers Weekly reports the controversial union chief's book is titled, 'Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy'. — According to Weingarten's publisher, the book will tell 'the story of what teachers do and why those who are afraid of freedom and opportunity try to stop them,' and 'why the fate of American democracy is inexorably intertwined with the fate of public education.' THE COLLEGE BOARD AP TESTING DISRUPTIONS — Psychology students sitting for their AP exam Friday afternoon faced issues logging into the College Board's Bluebook testing app, disrupting one of the testing giant's largest exams. — More than 300,000 students sat for the test, which was the last in this year's AP testing window. The College Board said the login issue was resolved and many students were able to take the exam, though it's still working to determine the full impact. — 'We know how hard students work to prepare for their AP exams and we regret that their testing period was disrupted,' a College Board spokesperson said in a statement. Students who were unable to test can participate in the late-testing exam on May 23. AP Psychology is one of 16 subject exams that were transitioned to fully digital this year. IN THE STATES CALIFORNIA TRADE-OFF — Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration is proposing legislation that would redirect money earmarked for school heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades to programs meant to reduce electricity use during grid emergencies, POLITICO's Eric He reports. — A trailer bill the governor floated as part of his revised budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year would send any unused funds remaining in the CalSHAPE school facilities program in July to programs such as the Emergency Load Reduction Program, which rewards electricity customers who reduce their usage during grid emergencies. If lawmakers back Newsom's proposal, the funding shift would begin as temperatures typically climb in the summer months. — California Federation of Teachers legislative representative Mitch Steiger voiced 'strong opposition' to the trailer bill last week during a climate budget subcommittee hearing. 'It will give kids cancer and will force kids to learn in classrooms that are over 90 degrees,' Steiger said. Report Roundup — A new report from The Century Foundation finds that graduate students at historically Black colleges and universities are more likely to borrow graduate PLUS loans to cover tuition, fees, and related costs — despite generally carrying smaller loan balances than non-HBCU graduate students. — The national average price for childcare rose by 29 percent from 2020 to 2024, outpacing inflation, according to a new report from Child Care Aware of America. Syllabus — Education secretary wants talks with Harvard to resume, without giving ground: The New York Times — ICE threatens OPT visa holders with deportation: Inside Higher Ed — Judge blocks Energy Department limits on universities' indirect costs: POLITICO Pro — Financial reckoning hits universities: Pay cuts, layoffs and no coffee: The Wall Street Journal — Judge OKs Iowa limits on K-6 gender identity, sexual orientation teaching but not elective programs: The Associated Press
Newsweek
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Rep. Stefanik: Educational Freedom Is the Key to Our Children's Future
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Among the many titles I am honored to hold, the most important title by far is mom. Like nearly all parents across New York state, I am deeply concerned about our failing education system and schools. In too many classrooms across New York and America, zip codes determine opportunity. That is not only unacceptable—it's un-American—limiting access to the American Dream for our next generations of kids. For decades, families in underserved communities have watched their children fall behind in underperforming schools, with few alternatives and no voice in the system. It's long past time for that to change. That's why I'm proud to help lead the Educational Choice for Children Act, legislation that would expand school choice and provide high quality educational opportunities for students trapped in failing school systems. This bill works hand-in-hand with the High-Quality Charter Schools Act, which I've proudly co-sponsored since its inception in 2022. Together, these efforts put students and parents—not failing bureaucracies and bureaucrats—at the center of our education policy. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) speaks during a press conference following a Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol Building on September 13, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) speaks during a press conference following a Republican caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol Building on September 13, 2023, in Washington, the heart of this initiative is the belief that every child, regardless of income or background, deserves access to a high-quality education. The Educational Choice for Children Act incentivizes charitable donations to fund scholarships for K-12 students, empowering families to choose the school—public or private—that best fits their child's needs. Whether that means enrolling in a charter school, moving to a different public school, or finding a specialized private option, this is about putting power in the hands of parents. Governor Kathy Hochul's failure to address the glaring issue of school choice has left our students in New York trapped in a failing system. Despite spending more than any other state in the nation per student, New York schools continue to underperform. We know educational choice works. Just look at the incredible achievements of Success Academy Charter Schools in New York City. Founded by Eva Moskowitz in 2006, Success Academy now serves more than 22,000 students across 57 schools—most of whom come from low-income and minority backgrounds. Despite these challenges, Success students consistently outperform peers from wealthier districts. In 2018, 98 percent of students passed the math portion of the New York state exams and 91 percent passed in English language arts—more than double the state average. These outcomes aren't a fluke—they are the result of high expectations, dedicated educators, and a school culture that celebrates what Eva calls "joyful rigor." When we give parents real choices and allow educators to innovate, students win. Unfortunately, entrenched special interests continue to block progress. Teachers unions and big-city bureaucracies fight tooth and nail to maintain the failing status quo, even as generations of students are left behind. But we will not let special interests stand in the way of student educational access and academic success. Expanding access to high-quality charter schools is not a partisan issue—it's a moral one. And it should unite anyone who believes that education is the great equalizer in America. By giving families more options and making it easier for individuals and businesses to support student scholarships, these two bills represent a significant step forward. This is not about attacking public schools. It's about acknowledging that one size does not fit all, and that parents—not politicians—should decide what's best for their kids. We are at a pivotal moment. The High-Quality Charter Schools Act and the Educational Choice for Children Act can help us reimagine education in America. Let's seize this opportunity to give every child—not just the lucky few—a real shot at success. It's time to stop defending broken systems and start defending the futures of our children. Representative Elise Stefanik is a Republican congresswoman representing New York. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
House GOP proposes $5 billion tax credit program to open more charter schools
House Republicans proposed legislation to open more charter schools under a $5 billion tax credit program in a move that would help President Trump fulfill his campaign pledge to provide 'universal school choice' for all parents and students. The tax credit would be applied against 75% of the donation provided by charitable givers to top-performing charter school networks or operators, under the 'High-Quality Charter Schools Act' introduced by upstate Rep. Claudia Tenney and co-sponsored by Staten Island-Brooklyn Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, among others. The tax credit would be capped at 10% of a donor's gross adjusted income. For example, a donor with $1 million in annual income who donates $133,000 for charter school expansion gets a tax credit of $100,000. The measure could be folded into a Republican-crafted budget bill. Both Tenney and Malliotakis sit on the budget-writing House Ways and Means Committee. 'Charter schools have a proven track record of success, working to ensure every student, regardless of zip code, is given the opportunity to succeed,' Tenney said. This legislation could triple the number of kids enrolled in charter schools nationwide by 6 million, from 6% to 18% of the public school population, added Tenney. 'Parents know what is best for their children, and by providing parents with options, we can improve educational outcomes across our country,' she said. There are 149,000 students attending 281 charter schools in New York City, accounting for 15% of public school students. The state imposes a cap on the number of charter schools that can open in the city, and that limit has already been reached. 'Charter schools across the country, especially here in New York, are facing demand that far exceeds their capacity,' Malliotakis said. 'I'm proud to join Rep. Tenney in introducing this legislation to ensure students and families have greater access to the school of their choice — while also ensuring taxpayers see a strong return on investment in public education.' The bill is also backed by Reps. Burgess Owens of Utah and Kevin Kiley of California, both of whom sit on the House education panel and have sway on school-related policy matters. Eva Moskowitz, founder of the Success Academy Charter Schools network praised the bill — noting it complements the Education Choice for Children Act. That bill proposes a 100 percent tax credit — a full reimbursement — for 'donations' to nonprofits known as Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), which are then used as vouchers to provide free or reduced tuition at private K-12 schools. 'Together, these policies will demonstrate universal school choice as a national priority,' said Moskowitz, whose Success Academy network oversees 57 schools that enroll 22,000 students, mostly low-income students of color. Republicans are typically stronger backers of school choice programs than Democrats, who by and large are more wedded to financing traditional public schools than publicly-funded, but privately managed charter schools or subsidizing private or parochial schools. Trump reportedly supports the bill, which could be the muscle to make the school choice tax credit programs the law of the land, according to sources. 'I want every parent in America to be empowered to send their child to public, private, charter, or faith-based school of their choice. The time for universal school choice has come. As we return education to the states, I will use every power I have to give parents this right,' Trump said, when discussing his education platform last month.
