Today, Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02) helped introduce the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers (PACT) Act. This bill would create a 10-year fiscally-responsible path for Congress to fulfill its obligation to fund Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on a mandatory basis. Rep. Kuster is an original co-sponsor of this legislation.

“Every child deserves access to quality education,” said Kuster. “Sadly, vulnerable students living in poverty across the country are being shortchanged as critical programs like Title I and IDEA are underfunded. I am proud to help introduce legislation that will ensure that education is a priority in the federal budget and give these students access to the quality education they need.”

Title I gives assistance to America’s highest need schools. According to the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools (AROS), the Title I formula was underfunded by $347 billion from 2005-2017. In FY17, New Hampshire’s schools received $68.4 million less in federal funding due to Title I underfunding. Similarly, IDEA calls on the federal government to fund 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for special education, but Congress has never fully funded the law. In FY17, New Hampshire’s schools received $85.5 million less in federal funding due to IDEA underfunding. This legislation will provide relief to local communities struggling to fund education.  

The bill is endorsed by: The Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools, NEA, AFT, The Council of Great City Schools, PTA, Journey for Justice Alliance, National Center for Learning Disabilities, AFSCME, the Arc, Forum for Youth Investment, and National Association of Secondary School Principals.

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