Posts by csowder@aesa.us
AESA Joins 600 Organizations to Urge the Administration to Release FY25 Funds Immediately
AESA Joins 600 Organizations to Urge the Administration to Release FY25 Funds Immediately
Read MoreHHS Policy Change Could Impact Head Start and Other Programs
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it is reinterpreting eligibility provisions for certain programs. Under this new interpretation, services will no longer be provided to undocumented immigrants, even in programs where immigration status has not historically been a barrier to access—including Head Start.
Read MoreJune 2025: AESA State Examiner
This month’s June 2025 report explores how various state definitions enable Educational Service Agencies (ESAs) to qualify as Local Education Agencies (LEAs) under federal law.
Read MoreFY25 Federal Funding Delay & Reconciliation Bill Passed with Voucher Provisions
Federal education policy is shifting rapidly—and this week has brought a wave of significant, fast-moving developments. We’re committed to keeping members informed and ready to respond in real time.
Read MoreFirst Federal School Voucher Program Passes Senate
For the last 24 hours the Senate has been voting on a slew of amendments to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. While initially on Friday the Parliamentarian struck out the voucher program, after considerable negotiations with Republicans she agreed to a significantly revised version of the nation’s first federal private school voucher program.
Read MoreBig Wins for Schools and Students: Supreme Court Ruling, ESSER Flexibility Restored, and Voucher Proposal Stalls
From a Supreme Court victory protecting broadband access to the restoration of ESSER reimbursements for all states—and a major setback for the federal voucher proposal—this week brought several wins for schools and students
Read MoreESSER Liquidation Update
On March 28, the Department informed SEAs that the Administration has canceled any prior approval for “late liquidation” of remaining funds from a variety of federal pandemic recovery funds, including American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER and Homeless Children and Youth (HCY) funds.
Read MoreUSED Budget Summary Proposes Drastic Cuts to K12
On May 30, Trump Administration released additional budget materials to Congress for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). While not officially the full FY26 budget proposal, this information builds upon the “skinny budget” and provides specific funding requests for programs.
Read MoreMay 2025: AESA State Examiner
This month’s report for May 2025 will examine emerging state policies on teaching the “Success Sequence.”
Read MoreHow Else Will the Big Beautiful Bill Impact Schools?
While AESA’s advocacy regarding the budget reconciliation package has been laser focused on cuts to Medicaid and the creation of a national school voucher program, we wanted to flag two other issues that could impact school financing and student health and wellness.
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