What is the call to action?
Ask US Senators to support full funding for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (SSAEG).
Why do we need this call to action?
The Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (SSAEG) program, included in Title IV, Part A, of the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), was originally authorized at $1.65 billion for fiscal year 2017. This flexible block grant focuses on providing students with a well-rounded education, supporting safe and healthy students, and supporting the effective use of technology. Included in SSAEG is the allocation of funds for an effective school library program.
The US Senate Appropriations Committee now proposes to fund this program at $300 million – only 18% of its original $1.65 billion authorization. This drastic cut has extreme repercussions:
- The amount approved by the Committee for SSAEG will not allow states and districts to make meaningful investments to improve student achievement.
- Funding SSAEG at such a low level would necessitate turning this SSAEG into a competitive grant program, circumventing Congress’s plain intent in ESSA.
- Underfunding SSAEG in its first year of authorization severely hinders the program from being implemented effectively and sets the program up for steep cuts and lower appropriations in future years.
Who do I contact?
The US Senators and Representatives from your state. Please note: Senators from Mississippi, Maryland, Missouri, and Washington are leading members of the the US Senate Appropriations Committee:
- Thad Cochran, Chairman US Senate Appropriations Committee
- Barbara Mikulski, Ranking Member US Senate Appropriations Committee
- Roy Blunt, Chairman US Senate Subcommittee on Labor HHS, Education Appropriations
- Patty Murray, Ranking Member US Senate Subcommittee on Labor HHS, Education Appropriations
When is the day of action?
October 26, 2016
Where do I take action?
Author: Jen Habley
Jen Habley is the AASL Manager of Web Communications. She manages the AASL websites, writes press releases, coordinates AASL’s online learning opportunities, and oversees AASL’s web 2.0 tools. When not working, Jen spends time researching her family tree, reading, and watching hockey.
Categories: ESSA Updates
Student support services must be provided for the total health and well being of students. They are our future leaders, creators, inventors, work force. Please fund Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (ESSA).