Congress also is close to finalizing FY ’19 education funding and the IRS is proposing to close down private school scholarships as a tax shelter in 12 states. Now is the time to learn more about the IRS proposal and file comments.
Learn more below about the IRS proposal, the recently approved federal budget and other major moves made on the federal level impacting Greater Minnesota education.
IRS Proposal
For many years the IRS has permitted taxpayers in 12 states to turn a profit by financially supporting private school voucher programs. This tax shelter has fueled rapid growth in these voucher programs, leading to a major transfer of public dollars into private schools. Tax accountants, private schools, and others in many states with tax credit voucher programs have long marketed these programs as tools for federal charitable deductions.
Please take 5 minutes to check out the AASA blog to learn more, to access the template, and to file comments with the IRS. If you have any questions about this call to action, please contact Sasha Pudelski at spudelski@aasa.org.
Senate Passes Budget
The Senate approved the education funding deal as part of the Defense, Labor and HHS education appropriations 93-7. It now awaits action in the House and the President’s signature.
The bill does not include funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border lending uncertainty whether President Donald Trump will sign or veto the bill. A veto will likely result in a Government shutdown, Oct 1.
Education funding in the final bill provides a $581 million increase in funding for USED, bringing the total to nearly $71.5 billion. Increases include: Title I, $100 million; Title II I is level funded; IDEA, $87 million; Title IV, $70 million)21st Century, $10 million; Impact Aid, $32 million; Perkins Career & Technical Education, $95 million; and Head Start, $200 million.
Other Federal News
The Center for American Progress released its report, Fixing Chronic Disinvestment in K-12 Schools. It focuses on how the 2008 recession decimated state budgets, sending education funding into a tailspin. But as the recovery has picked up, many states have made policy choices, such as tax cuts that have further decreased state revenue.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a Public Service Announcement (PSA)that encourages public awareness of cyber threat concerns related to K-12 students. The PSA recommends that stakeholders get “involved with organizations that can provide support and resources for navigating the integration of technology and cybersecurity into schools.” Full details are on the blog by Future of Privacy Forum.
Read the K-12 Disinvestment Brief
As part of the Victims of Child Abuse Reauthorization Act, the Senate committee last week passed the Child Abuse Reporting Act. This is a bill that AASA endorsed, and would grant greater immunity for teachers, administrators and other school staff who are considered mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect.
NREAC takes advocacy positions opposing using Federal Funds to arm teachers and Tax Bill 2.0, and in support of transportation rider to allow transportation for magnet programs.
“The Educational Equity Imperative: Leveraging Technology to Empower Learning for All” report was released by Speak Up at a Congressional Briefing held in Washington, DC. .Learn more.
