In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal waivers issued by the Food and Nutrition Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture provided flexibility that enabled child nutrition program operators to feed children amid challenges brought on by the pandemic, according to a new study. “Our study revealed how measures taken at the height
On May 24th, the House Republicans passed a resolution to overturn President Biden’s student debt relief plan that would give up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness to borrowers in a 218-203 vote, largely along party lines. The proposal, which is also currently being considered by the Supreme Court, is estimated to cost around $400 billion.
In the House Education and the Workforce Committee hearing titled "Examining the Policies and Priorities of the Department of Education," on May 16, 2023, U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona defended the proposed education budget of the Biden administration. The proposed budget includes an increase of $10.8 billion from fiscal 2023, with increased funding for programs
On May 18th, 2023, Congressman Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)—alongside Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Patty Murray (D-WA)—reintroduced the Keeping All Students Safe Act, legislation to protect students from seclusion and restraint discipline practices in school. The Keeping All Students Safe Act would prohibit any school receiving federal taxpayer
On April 28th, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the 2021 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). This survey is the largest public health surveillance system in the United States, monitoring a broad range of health-related behaviors among high school students. The 2021 surveys were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic and
In addition to the Biden administration’s proposed rule that was announced last week (see below), the House voted on H.R. 734 the Protecting Women and Girls in Sports Act on Thursday, April 20, 2023. The bill passed along party lines in a 219-203 vote. The bill is not expected to pass in the Senate or
On Friday, April 14th, the U.S. Department of Education released new guidance on the 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) regarding youth who are self-supporting or at risk of homelessness. SchoolHouse Connection lauded the new guidance as a positive change and called on those assisting youth experiencing homelessness to review the guidance to
On Thursday April 6th, 2023, Secretary Miguel Cardona of the Department of Education announced a proposed rule that would update Title IX to clarify guidelines for participation in school athletics. Title IX aims to protect students in schools that receive federal funding from sex-based discrimination and ensure fairness, and this rule aims to expand upon
On April 18, 2023, the White House released a statement outlining a new executive order to expand and improve the care economy. The order includes directives to officials to increase the accessibility and affordability of child care, improve veteran care, support early educators and care staff, and much more. The Biden Administration, through the American
On March 29, 2023 the Congressional Dad’s Caucus had its kickoff meeting with a panel of lived experience. Representative Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), the Chair and Founder of the Dad’s Caucus, opened the discussion by highlighting the importance of “family friendly” policy. Several other congressmen offered their support, including Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), founder of the