AASA Urges House Appropriations Committee to Oppose FY27 Education Funding Bill

. Ahead of today's markup, AASA sent a letter to the House Appropriations Committee urging members to oppose the FY2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Services proposal that includes drastic cuts for K-12 education (see full bill summary here). 

School districts are facing severe budget constraints as enrollment declines, student needs increase and prices continue to rise across the country. A survey of our members last month indicated that the increase in the cost of diesel alone is forcing some districts to cut student services, layoff staff and delay facility maintenance[i]. Congress must meet this moment with increased funding for schools to ensure superintendents have the resources they need to close achievement gaps, provide mental health supports for students, and address staffing shortages. Instead, this proposal’s $8 billion (10%) cut to the Department of Education—achieved through program eliminations, rescissions of already-enacted funds, and a drastic reduction to Title I, Part A—represents an astounding divestment in education. While we appreciate the small increase for IDEA, Part B, the added $25 million is negligible when compared to the cuts elsewhere.

AASA is particularly concerned about the Committee’s proposal to once again rescind $1.6 billion in advance funding for Title II. District leaders are expecting to draw down these funds in October and have already incorporated them into district budgets for the upcoming school year. Any changes to funding after it is enacted will have a devastating impact on students, educators and communities across the nation—forcing cuts to programs, services and staff essential to providing a high-quality education. These efforts undermine confidence in federal education funding and constrain district leaders’ ability to budget resources effectively. District leaders need the ability to create budgets that not only meet immediate needs but also support long-term strategic investments to best serve the children and families in their communities, which requires stable and sufficient federal investment.

Read the full letter here.