Legislative News and Updates

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Federal Legislative News and Updates

  • The White House released its FY 2014 budget and proposes an increase in funding for the U.S. Department of Education of $3.1 billion, or 4.5 percent. It includes a small increase ($2.9 million) for the Magnet Schools Assistance Program to restore vital funding that was reprogrammed in FY 2012. The president's budget would also replace sequestration, which drastically cut most federal programs earlier this year, with targeted budget cuts and revenue increases. 

    "This is a huge win for magnet schools and school districts," said Executive Director, Scott Thomas. "The proposed increase signals not only that the program is important, but the president believes it should be expanded when many programs are being either cut or eliminated."

    The president's budget is not considered law and its fate depends on its reception in Congress, which always has its own set of priorities. It has already received criticism for its reliance on competitive grants rather than formula programs such as Title I and IDEA. To learn more about the White House Budget, please click here

  • Congress finalized the FY 2013 budget, which funds the U.S. Department of Education and other federal agencies. Most programs are reduced by 5% due to across-the-board sequestration cuts. This includes funding for Title I, IDEA, School Improvement Grants, and the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP), which is reduced by $4.86 million. This will ultimately impact the number MSAP grants awarded this year. To see a chart detailing all the cuts to federal education programs created by the Committee for Education Funding, please click here 

    MSA visited many congressional offices over the last month to express its strong opposition to sequestration and further cuts to MSAP. Over the last three years, MSAP has been reduced by approximately $8.2 million. (From $100 million in 2010 to $91.8 million in 2013). These are the largest funding cuts in the program's history!

  • To express your opposition to sequestration and further education funding cuts visit our new Take Action Center to send a message to your elected officials.

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