Overview
Title
To require full funding of part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
ELI5 AI
The bill says the government must give more money every year to help schools and kids with disabilities so they can learn better, but it doesn't explain exactly how they'll figure out the right amount of money to give.
Summary AI
The bill, S. 343, called the "Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers Act" or the "Keep Our PACT Act," mandates full funding for federal education programs. It requires the government to provide complete funding for Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, which helps reduce educational inequality, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, ensuring quality education for children with disabilities. The bill specifies funding amounts for each fiscal year up to 2035, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling promises made to the education sector.
Published
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Bill Statistics
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AnalysisAI
General Summary
The proposed legislation, officially titled the “Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers Act” or “Keep Our PACT Act,” mandates full funding for specified federal education programs. The key areas it targets are part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, which addresses educational inequity, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures education for children with disabilities. Essentially, the bill sets out to ensure that these educational programs consistently receive adequate financial resources over the next decade.
Significant Issues
One major issue with the bill is its lack of transparency and specificity in funding calculations. Section 3 refers to the fiscal year 2025 appropriation figure for title I but fails to specify this amount, which may cause confusion regarding future funding levels. Furthermore, Sections 3 and 4 offer financial allocations based on comparisons to fixed figures without considering potential changes in economic conditions over the decade they cover. This rigidity may lead to misallocation should educational needs evolve.
Another issue arises from vague language regarding accountability. The statement, "A promise made must be a promise kept," does not establish clear consequences for failing to meet funding levels, which could weaken enforcement. Additionally, the language used throughout the bill is dense and legalistic, which might alienate the general public from engaging with or understanding the legislative process.
Impact on the Public
For the broader public, this bill underscores a commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities for all American children, which could substantially improve educational outcomes in underfunded areas. Ensuring reliable funding might ease disparities across school districts and better support students with disabilities by providing sustained resources.
However, the lack of detailed financial transparency and fixed appropriation figures could lead to challenges in adapting to actual educational needs as they change over time. This could potentially result in inefficient use of taxpayer money or leave some areas struggling to meet unforeseen demands.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Educators and School Districts: On a positive note, educators and school districts might benefit from reduced financial uncertainty, allowing them to plan better and implement long-term educational strategies. School districts receiving part A funds would potentially reduce disparities in educational quality, therefore benefiting students in lower-income areas.
Students with Disabilities: The IDEA funding commitment is particularly beneficial for students with disabilities, promising them sustained support. However, the lack of clear accountability measures for funding allocations may undermine these benefits if educational bodies do not properly utilize the funds.
Taxpayers: For taxpayers, the bill's aim to fully fund these educational programs could represent an effective use of public funds by investing in the nation's future. Nonetheless, the complexity and opacity in funding allocations might concern those keen on understanding exactly how their taxes are spent, given the potential for mismanagement or inefficiencies.
Overall, while the bill is a noteworthy attempt to stabilize educational funding and support for essential programs, greater transparency and flexibility would enhance its effectiveness and responsiveness to future challenges.
Financial Assessment
The bill S. 343, known as the "Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers Act," sets out financial commitments for educational programs. It mandates full funding for Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. These programs aim to ensure educational equity and quality education for children with disabilities.
Financial Allocations
Mandatory Funding for Part A of Title I of ESEA
Section 3 of the bill specifies financial appropriations for Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The bill outlines a series of annual financial allocations from 2026 to 2035. Each year, an amount will be appropriated equal to the difference between the fiscal year 2025 part A of title I appropriation and a specified funding level, for example, $20,509,878,000 for fiscal year 2026 increasing gradually to $54,303,244,000 in fiscal year 2035 or the full amount authorized, whichever is greater. However, the absence of a specified amount for the fiscal year 2025 part A of title I appropriation introduces uncertainty and could complicate future funding calculations as noted in the issues.
Funding for the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act
Section 4 of the bill addresses funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It stipulates appropriations beginning with $16,661,928,000 or 11.6% of a calculated amount for fiscal year 2026, escalating to $69,644,540,000 or 40% for fiscal year 2035 and subsequent years. This section uses a combined approach of a fixed dollar amount and a percentage-based method. However, the calculation method for these allocations is not transparent, which could allow for potential manipulation or misallocation of funds.
Relation to Identified Issues
Lack of Transparency and Justification
One major issue identified is the bill's lack of transparency regarding how certain financial figures, especially for the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, are determined. The reference to percentages without detailed explanation could result in ambiguities and misappropriations. Furthermore, the bill does not consider demographic changes or inflation, possibly leading to misallocation or underfunding over the long term given the decade-long timeline from 2026 to 2035.
Accountability Concerns
The bill makes an implicit promise to provide full funding, but it lacks specific accountability measures. The phrase "A promise made must be a promise kept" in the findings section does not effectively define what happens if funding commitments are unmet. This could lead to issues of unenforced promises and a lack of consequence, potentially undermining the bill's intent.
Complex Language
The language used in sections discussing financial appropriations is complex and legalistic. This complexity might inhibit public understanding and reduce transparency for stakeholders like taxpayers, who might be interested in how their money is being allocated and used in the education sector.
Emergency Designation
Section 5 refers to an "emergency requirement" designation but fails to offer a clear definition. This omission could lead to ambiguity regarding what qualifies as emergency funding and might result in inconsistent applications of this designation in financial appropriations.
In summary, while the bill outlines significant financial commitments to support educational initiatives, issues related to transparency, complexity, and accountability of funding allocations need to be addressed to ensure clarity and effective implementation.
Issues
The bill's provision for mandatory funding of part A of title I of ESEA in Section 3 lacks a specified amount for the 'fiscal year 2025 part A of title I appropriation', which could lead to confusion regarding future funding calculations and appropriations.
There is a significant lack of transparency in Section 4 about how the amounts 'authorized to be appropriated' for the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act are determined. This ambiguity could open the door to manipulation or misallocation of funds.
Section 3 and Section 4 of the bill base appropriation amounts on fixed figures and percentages without clear justification or consideration for changes in demographics, inflation, or educational priorities over the decade they cover, potentially leading to misallocation or underfunding.
The provision in Section 2 lacks specificity regarding accountability measures, with the phrase 'A promise made must be a promise kept' failing to define consequences for not meeting funding commitments, potentially undermining enforcement.
The bill's language, especially in Sections 3, 4, and 5, is complex and legalistic, which may hinder public understanding and accountability, reducing transparency for taxpayers and other stakeholders.
Section 5's reference to 'emergency requirement' lacks a clear definition, leading to potential ambiguity about what qualifies as emergency funding, which may result in inconsistent application.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The “Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers Act”, also known as the “Keep Our PACT Act”, is the official title of this bill.
2. Findings Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress emphasizes the importance of children as the nation's future and highlights education as crucial for their development. This section discusses laws like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which aim to ensure equal access to quality education, including a commitment to fund education for students with disabilities adequately.
3. Mandatory funding of part A of title I of ESEA Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
This section outlines the mandatory funding plan for part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act for the years 2026 to 2035. For each year, it specifies that funds will be allocated to make up the difference between the fiscal year 2025 funding amount and the greater of a preset amount or the full authorized amount for that year.
Money References
- (a) Definition of fiscal year 2025 part A of title I appropriation.—In this section, the term “fiscal year 2025 part A of title I appropriation” means the amount appropriated for fiscal year 2025 for programs under part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6311 et seq.). (b) Funding.—There are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated— (1) for fiscal year 2026, an amount that equals the difference between— (A) the fiscal year 2025 part A of title I appropriation; and (B) $20,509,878,000 or the full amount authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year for those programs, whichever is greater; (2) for fiscal year 2027, an amount that equals the difference between— (A) the fiscal year 2025 part A of title I appropriation; and (B) $22,853,242,000 or the full amount authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year for those programs, whichever is greater; (3) for fiscal year 2028, an amount that equals the difference between— (A) the fiscal year 2025 part A of title I appropriation; and (B) $25,464,349,000 or the full amount authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year for those programs, whichever is greater; (4) for fiscal year 2029, an amount that equals the difference between— (A) the fiscal year 2025 part A of title I appropriation; and (B) $28,373,788,000 or the full amount authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year for those programs, whichever is greater; (5) for fiscal year 2030, an amount that equals the difference between— (A) the fiscal year 2025 part A of title I appropriation; and (B) $31,615,646,000 or the full amount authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year for those programs, whichever is greater; (6) for fiscal year 2031, an amount that equals the difference between— (A) the fiscal year 2025 part A of title I appropriation; and (B) $35,227,904,000 or the full amount authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year for those programs, whichever is greater; (7) for fiscal year 2032, an amount that equals the difference between— (A) the fiscal year 2025 part A of title I appropriation; and (B) $39,252,882,000 or the full amount authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year for those programs, whichever is greater; (8) for fiscal year 2033, an amount that equals the difference between— (A) the fiscal year 2025 part A of title I appropriation; and (B) $43,737,735,000 or the full amount authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year for those programs, whichever is greater; (9) for fiscal year 2034, an amount that equals the difference between— (A) the fiscal year 2025 part A of title I appropriation; and (B) $48,735,007,000 or the full amount authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year for those programs, whichever is greater; and (10) for fiscal year 2035, $54,303,244,000 or the full amount authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year for those programs, whichever is greater.
4. Mandatory funding of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section outlines the changes to the funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, specifying the amount of money to be authorized and appropriated for each fiscal year from 2026 to 2035 and beyond. The funding is intended to support the education of children with disabilities, with the amount calculated based on the number of eligible children and the average spending per student in U.S. public schools.
Money References
- Section 611(i) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1411(i)) is amended to read as follows: “(i) Funding.— “(1) IN GENERAL.—For the purpose of carrying out this part, other than section 619, there are authorized to be appropriated— “(A) $16,661,928,000 or 11.6 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2026, and there are hereby appropriated $6,425,048,000 or 4.5 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2026, which shall become available for obligation on July 1, 2026, and shall remain available through September 30, 2027; “(B) $19,531,844,000 or 13.4 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2027, and there are hereby appropriated $8,372,932,000 or 5.7 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2027, which shall become available for obligation on July 1, 2027, and shall remain available through September 30, 2028; “(C) $22,896,084,000 or 15.3 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2028, and there are hereby appropriated $10,911,357,000 or 7.3 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2028, which shall become available for obligation on July 1, 2028, and shall remain available through September 30, 2029; “(D) $26,839,795,000 or 17.6 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2029, and there are hereby appropriated $14,219,357,000 or 9.3 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2029, which shall become available for obligation on July 1, 2029, and shall remain available through September 30, 2030; “(E) $31,462,786,000 or 20.2 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2030, and there are hereby appropriated $18,530,244,000 or 11.9 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2030, which shall become available for obligation on July 1, 2030, and shall remain available through September 30, 2031; “(F) $36,882,058,000 or 23.1 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2031, and there are hereby appropriated $24,148,064,000 or 15.2 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2031, which shall become available for obligation on July 1, 2031, and shall remain available through September 30, 2032; “(G) $43,234,768,000 or 26.5 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2032, and there are hereby appropriated $31,469,041,000 or 19.3 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2032, which shall become available for obligation on July 1, 2032, and shall remain available through September 30, 2033; “(H) $50,681,693,000 or 30.4 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2033, and there are hereby appropriated $41,009,521,000 or 24.6 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2033, which shall become available for obligation on July 1, 2033, and shall remain available through September 30, 2034; “(I) $59,411,305,000 or 34.9 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2034, and there are hereby appropriated $53,442,392,000 or 31.4 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2034, which shall become available for obligation on July 1, 2034, and shall remain available through September 30, 2035; and “(J) $69,644,540,000 or 40 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2035 and each subsequent fiscal year, and there are hereby appropriated $69,644,540,000 or 40 percent of the amount determined under paragraph (2), whichever is greater, for fiscal year 2035 and each subsequent fiscal year, which— “(i) shall become available for obligation with respect to fiscal year 2035 on July 1, 2034, and shall remain available through September 30, 2036; and “(ii) shall become available for obligation with respect to each subsequent fiscal year on July 1 of that fiscal year and shall remain available through September 30 of the succeeding fiscal year.
5. Emergency designation Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section specifies that the funds allocated by this Act are marked as necessary for emergencies according to laws and resolutions related to U.S. budget processes. It outlines that these emergency designations apply to both the House and Senate budget guidelines for several fiscal years.