January 20, 2026
Written by Tara Thomas, AESA Senior Government Affairs Manager
This morning, Congress released a bipartisan FY26 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education funding package as part of a broader “minibus” appropriations bill. From an AESA standpoint, the agreement largely protects K–12 education programs and avoids the deep cuts previously proposed. Title I and special education each received modest increases, while key programs that support ESA services—including educator professional learning (Title II-A), English learner services (Title III-A), and flexible block grants (Title IV-A)—were preserved at last year’s funding levels.
Importantly for AESA members, the bill includes language requiring the Department of Education to release formula grant funds to states by July 1, addressing last year’s delays and providing greater predictability for planning and service delivery. The package also reinforces congressional control over education spending by clearly specifying program funding levels and requiring oversight of interagency agreements, helping ensure funds are used as Congress intended. While final passage is still required, the bill is expected to be enacted before the current funding deadline of January 30.
