PTA Urges Congress and the Administration to Prioritize the Well-Being of Our Nation’s Families in Budget Decisions

PTA Urges Congress and the Administration to Prioritize the Well-Being of Our Nation's Families in Budget Decisions

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (June 17, 2025)-The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Yvonne Johnson:

"Yesterday, the Senate Finance Committee released its portion of the budget reconciliation bill for fiscal year 2025, which includes provisions that would create a first ever nationalized voucher program and redirect billions of taxpayer dollars away from public schools towards private and religious institutions and homeschooling. Last month, the Administration released its budget proposal for fiscal year 2026, which also makes significant cuts in funding for public education overall. As federal budget decisions are being made, PTA calls on Congress and the Administration to prioritize the well-being of all children and families in our nation.

"While PTA supports educational choices within public schools to meet the needs of all students, there is a difference between public school choice programs and the use of taxpayer dollars for private school voucher programs. Voucher programs have proven ineffective in improving student achievement, lack accountability, deprive students of the rights and protections they would receive in public schools, and fail in providing adequate services for students most in need, including students with disabilities, low-income students and students who are English learners. Public dollars carry the responsibility for providing public access, governance and accountability and must remain invested in public schools for the benefit of all students and families and the future of our nation.

"The budget reconciliation bill also proposes historic funding cuts and permanent eligibility changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which would limit access to healthy foods for low-income families. Additionally, the bill proposes significant changes to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which would limit access to quality, affordable health care for all children.

"Among the funding cuts in the Administration's FY2026 budget proposal:

• Funding for the U.S. Department of Education would be decreased by $12.4 billion
• Funding for special education and Title I would be frozen at FY2024 levels
• Funding would be eliminated for Title I programs that support literacy and migrant students
• Funding would be eliminated for the Statewide Family Engagement Centers program and Title IV-A, which focuses on improving student academic achievement
• Funding would be eliminated for after-school and summer programs through the 21st Century Community Learning Center program
• Funding would be eliminated for programs for training teachers and school leaders, such as funding for the Teacher Quality Partnerships program

"For over 128 years, PTA has advocated and worked to ensure all schools and families have the proper resources and support needed to help all children learn, grow and succeed. Our association remains steadfast in our belief that the long-term success of our nation depends on quality federal investments in our education system as well as programs and services that provide for children's health and well-being. We urge Congress and the Administration to champion federal investments that support our nation's children, families and schools."

PTA calls on advocates everywhere to make their voices heard and join the association in sending an urgent message to your members of Congress to reject any efforts to limit access to vital federal programs for all families.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.