Letter to the Senate

Letter to the Senate on S. Con. Res.11

NEA (National Education Association), Mary Kusler Director of Government Relations, Published March 24, 2015.  http://www.nea.org/home/62409.htm

Key points:

• Three million members of the National Education Association (NEA) formed a letter stating why they disagree with the FY16 budget resolution written by S. Con. Res. 11 and why they should vote no. 
• One of the biggest controversies was the fact that congress wants to slash 660 billion dollars in the next 10 years that funds school meals, nutrition programs, and SNAP.  This is a huge problem for the students that rely on this food throughout the day at school. 
• Another huge problem is shifting Pell Grants from mandatory to discretionary for the next 10 years.  This will make college less affordable for more students.
• Repealing the Affordable Care Act will leave many families and children without healthcare.  This will also take away parents being able to cover their children until age 26. 

Relevance:  The biggest relevance is the fact that if school meals, nutrition programs, and SNAP benefits are taken away teachers will have to fight against students being hungry and them learning.  Secondly is Pell Grants are being discretionary many students that are first generation college students, they are relying on this money to be able to live and go to school at the same time.  The best message I got from this article is the fact that as a future teacher it is important to read through the ballot measures to see what you are voting on to help students has a bright future.