Member Communications: Keeping You Connected
| AESA offers four distinct electronic publications as well as our Federal Updates blog designed to keep members informed, engaged, and connected. These communications provide valuable updates, insights, and resources tailored specifically for educational service agencies (ESAs). | |||
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If your ESA is a member of AESA, you are eligible to receive all of these valuable publications! To ensure you don’t miss out, please complete the form to confirm we have your most up-to-date contact information.
Congress Passes Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization
On December 9, the House passed the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act, which reauthorizes the program for FY24-FY26. As a reminder, the program provides critical resources for counties and schools that are near National Forest Land and are unable to generate property tax revenue.
Federal Policy Action on Screen Time, Social Media and Student Data Privacy Related Issues
Federal attention on children and technology has surged in recent weeks, with Congress and federal agencies advancing a wide range of proposals. The House Commerce Committee introduced 19 tech-related bills—several affecting schools—and described them as part of a comprehensive strategy to protect children online. However, House versions of COPPA 2.0 and the Kids Online Safety Act diverge sharply from their bipartisan Senate counterparts, introducing partisan elements, broad preemption of state laws, and weaker safeguards for children and teens. Meanwhile, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced a December 10 listening session on excessive screen time and signaled interest in linking federal broadband and technology funding to outcomes tied to children’s well-being, potentially affecting programs such as BEAD and E-Rate.
Call to Action: Advocate for FY26 Funds
The Nation’s Children Need You – Urge Congress to Maintain Education Funding for Vital Programs Now