The PATH to Education Act creates federal grants to help public transportation providers partner with educational institutions like community colleges, Head Start programs, and career schools to improve transit access for students. Grant funds can be used for adding bus stops or routes near campuses, increasing service frequency, or adjusting schedules to help students and Head Start participants commute. The bill allocates $1 million in 2027, rising to $5 million by 2031, with priority given to projects involving schools where over 25% of students receive Pell Grants. This policy directly affects transit agencies and eligible schools by funding concrete transit improvements to support education access.
HR 4728 codifies Executive Order 14280, which establishes school discipline policies focused on common sense approaches. This bill turns the existing executive order into law, giving it the force of statute. It directly affects public K-12 schools, requiring them to implement these specific discipline policies. The key mechanism is converting the executive order into binding federal law without altering the policy content.
This bill amends federal education funding rules to prioritize civics and American history education in K-12 schools. It changes eligibility criteria for certain grants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act by requiring programs to: (1) improve teaching of American history, civics, or government; (2) focus on underserved students and demonstrate innovation; (3) include hands-on civic activities; and (4) teach the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The changes directly affect schools applying for these federal grants by setting new standards for funding approval. The bill modifies existing law without creating new programs or funding streams.
The RAISE Act of 2025 creates a new tax credit for teachers and early childhood educators, with a base of $1,000 plus additional amounts based on school poverty rates. Teachers working in schools where more than 39% of students live in poverty can receive up to $14,000 more in tax credits, calculated based on how much a school's poverty rate exceeds 39%. The bill also increases the deduction for teachers' classroom expenses from $250 to $500 and requires schools to maintain teacher pay levels to receive certain federal funds. This directly affects public school teachers, early childhood educators, and schools serving communities with high poverty rates.
This Senate resolution expresses strong support for public K-12 schools and condemns any efforts to defund public education or dismantle the Department of Education. It highlights the federal government’s critical role in providing equitable funding - particularly for students in underserved communities, including those with disabilities, from low-income families, and in rural areas - and opposes diverting funds to private schools. As a non-binding resolution, it does not create new laws but formally states the Senate’s position on protecting public education funding and oversight.
The Native American Education Opportunity Act establishes a program that provides $8,000 annually per eligible Native American student to be deposited into Tribal education savings accounts (ESAs) for educational expenses. Eligible students include those enrolled in Tribes who attended or will attend Bureau of Indian Education schools, with funds usable for private tutoring, private school costs, educational materials, technology, and other approved educational services. Tribes administering these programs must consult with Tribal officials before providing educational services, and the accounts terminate when students turn 25 or complete their education. The bill also authorizes Bureau-Funded Charter Schools to operate under specific guidelines and requires a GAO study on the program's implementation after 3 years.
HRES 908 is a non-binding House resolution expressing support for designating October 2025 as "National Financial Planning Month." It does not create new laws or alter existing policies but aims to raise public awareness about financial planning. The resolution urges Americans to observe the month through activities like public workshops on budgeting, school financial education, and promoting access to financial planning services. It specifically highlights the role of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals in helping individuals build emergency savings and financial stability. This resolution focuses on awareness and education, not on mandating any specific actions or funding.
This bill establishes minimum salary ($45,000 annually for full-time) and wage ($30/hour for part-time) standards for paraprofessionals and education support staff in public schools. It authorizes $25 billion in federal funding for fiscal year 2026 with annual increases tied to inflation or 2%, to help states meet these requirements. States must submit implementation plans to ensure full-time staff meet the minimum salary and part-time staff meet the minimum wage within four years, with 98% of funds going directly to local school districts. The legislation directly affects school support staff, school districts, and state education agencies across the country.
HR 7327, the Empowering Young Readers Act of 2026, creates a $10 million pilot program to fund book access initiatives for children under 19. It authorizes the Education Secretary to award competitive grants (max $200,000 per grant for two years) to eligible nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations for activities like purchasing books, hosting reading events, or donating to public libraries. Grant applications must be reviewed using viewpoint-neutral criteria, and recipients must report on book distribution numbers and community impact. The program runs through fiscal year 2027, with a final report due to Congress six months after completion.
Right to Read Act of 2025 This bill expands access to school libraries and literacy skills support for elementary and secondary school students. It also outlines certain constitutional rights and liability protections related to school libraries. Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2030 (1) the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program, which provides grants to ensure high-quality instruction and effective strategies in reading and writing for children through 12th grade; and (2) the Innovative Approaches to Literacy Program, which provides grants to support the development of literacy skills in low-income communities. Additionally, the bill allows Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants to be used to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools in recruiting, hiring, and retaining state-certified school librarians. Further, the bill authorizes states and LEAs to use Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants for programs and activities that promote the development of digital literacy and information literacy skills. The Department of Education (ED) must direct the National Center for Education Statistics to biennially collect data on school libraries. ED must require an assurance from each state and LEA receiving certain funds confirming that it will (1) protect the First Amendment rights of students in school libraries, and (2) provide equal protection in the conduct of school libraries in compliance with the requirements of the Fourteenth Amendment and nondiscrimination laws. The bill also provides liability protection to teachers, school librarians, school leaders, paraprofessionals, and other staff for actions that conform with state or local policies regarding the right to read.
