When it returns from recess next week, the Senate will vote on whether to advance an updated version of the For the People Act (S.1). In order for the bill to move forward, at least 10 Republicans need to join their 50 Democratic colleagues in supporting action to safeguard voting rights, the foundation of our…
The Biden administration is listening to NEA members on the topic of student debt. But much more has to be done to help debt-burdened educators who—like almost everybody who applies—have been denied federal loan forgiveness.
By Amanda Menas Throughout the pandemic, students’ broadband access became a critical household issue. The homework gap was exacerbated when families lacked high-speed, affordable internet, access to the technology, or adequate knowledge to use either. On Aug. 19, educators, legislators, and leaders discussed at a roundtable the technological aspects of providing equal access to education…
By Amanda Menas Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, students and entire school communities were forced to face extraordinary hardships. Existing inequities that disproportionately impacted communities of color were exacerbated, and added to challenges with employment, food security, and access to technology. Educators have an unprecedented opportunity to create the public schools all our students deserve. With…
Immediately after passing a $1 trillion infrastructure bill supported by all 50 Democrats and 19 Republicans, the Senate passed a $3.5 trillion budget framework in a 50-49 party-line vote. Precisely how the money will be spent still needs to be determined—a process that could take months. Vowing to treat the two measures as a package,…