Distributed via Email: April 3, 2013
SEQUESTRATION
The sequester took effect March 1. According to the White House Office of Management and Budget, the across-the-board budget cuts from sequestration would be around five percent for most programs.
The week prior to March 1, the Senate attempted to begin debate on two alternative measures to sequestration. However, neither bill received enough votes for cloture so that the Senate could proceed with floor debate. The Democratic alternative would have deferred the sequester until 2014, and the Republican alternative would have given the Obama Administration flexibility over how to implement the sequester.
HR 1386 – LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD GOVERNANCE AND FLEXIBILITY ACT
The National School Boards Association (NSBA) bill to support local school board governance has officially been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bi-partisan bill, sponsored by Illinois Congressman Aaron Schock (R-Peoria), will help reign in the U.S. Department of Education's authority in the absence of federal legislation and ensure that school boards are involved during the implementation of U.S. Department of Education guidelines.
In addition to Congressman Schock, Illinois Congressman Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) is a co-sponsor. NSBA is seeking additional co-sponsors for their bill and asks that you contact your member of Congress to request their co-sponsorship. Members of Congress are at home in their districts until Monday, April 8.
FISCAL YEAR 2013 (FY13) APPROPRIATIONS
Two weeks ago, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund government operations for the remainder of FY13. The CR would provide a $33.5 million increase for Head Start and fund other education programs at their FY12 levels. Then, the five percent across-the-board cut from the sequester would be applied. For Impact Aid grants, the budget cut is scheduled to become effective immediately. The cut to Title I, special education, and other programs would become effective in July for the 2013-14 school year, according to guidance from the U.S. Department of Education. The Senate approved the measure by a vote of 73 to 26; and, the House approved the measure by a vote of 318 to 109.
FISCAL YEAR 2014 APPROPRIATIONS
Senate Budget Resolution
On Saturday, March 23, the Senate passed its budget resolution, S. Con. Res. 8, by a vote of 50 to 49. More than 500 amendments to the measure were filed, many of which did not receive a vote. Reportedly, 101 amendments were considered.
Although sequestration will occur this fiscal year, the Senate budget resolution proposes to stop the sequester in FY14 and also provide $100 billion for infrastructure improvements and job creation, including "$20 billion to jump-start repairs and technology infrastructure investments in schools across America that are crumbling or lack critical educational tools like broadband access that are required in the 21st century economy."
House Budget Resolution
On Thursday, March 21 the House of Representatives passed its version of a FY14 budget resolution, H. Con. Res. 25, largely along party lines by a vote of 221 to 207. The House budget resolution proposes to reduce federal expenditures by $4.6 trillion over the next 10 years. Sponsored by Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI), the budget suggests streamlining K-12 programs and "recommends that the committees of jurisdiction terminate and reduce programs that are failing to improve student achievement and address the duplication among the 82 programs that are designed to improve teacher quality." H. Con. Res. 25 would more than double the cuts of the sequester on education programs. For FY14, the House budget would cut non-defense discretionary programs, which includes education, by $55 billion below the sequester level.
The next step is to reconcile House and Senate budget resolutions.
This Federal Legislative Report is used to forward information on federal issues from NSBA and other federal sources. Those interested in additional information or signing up for these free reports should contact Susan Hilton .