H.R. 869: Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers Act

The "Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers Act," also known as the Keep Our PACT Act, is proposed legislation aimed at ensuring that specific educational funding commitments are met for the coming years. Below is a summary of the key aspects of the bill:

Purpose and Importance

The bill emphasizes that:

• Children are recognized as the future of the nation.
• A high-quality education is crucial for a child's development and potential.
• Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) aims to address educational inequities.
• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) guarantees quality education for children with disabilities.
• Congress had committed to providing a certain percentage of funding for students with disabilities, which the bill seeks to uphold.

Mandatory Funding Requirements

The bill sets forth mandatory funding for two major education programs:

• Part A of Title I of the ESEA: This part addresses funding for disadvantaged schools to ensure all students receive a quality education.
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: This act ensures necessary funding for special education services.

Funding Levels

The bill details specific annual funding levels for both parts outlined above, increasing progressively over the years:

• For fiscal year 2026, the required amount for Title I programs will be adjusted based on previous allocations, ensuring it is at least the greater of the previous year’s funding or a specified minimum.
• Similar requirements are laid out for funding for IDEA, ensuring annual increases from fiscal year 2026 through fiscal year 2035. These include specific dollar amounts designed to grow each year, aligning with educational inflation and the needs of special education.

Emergency Designation

The funding levels set by the bill are designated as emergency requirements. This allows for flexibility in the federal budget, making it easier to secure the necessary appropriations for these educational programs.

Implementation Timeline

The legislation sets forth a timeline for these appropriations to become available and outlines that they shall remain available for a defined period, ensuring that educational institutions can reliably access these funds.

Relevant Companies

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