ALEXANDRIA, Va. (March 5, 2014) — Yesterday, President Barack Obama presented to Congress his proposal for the Fiscal Year 2015 budget, prioritizing education and proposing key investments in high-quality early learning, school safety, technology and other programs aimed at creating opportunities for every child.

“Early education and school safety are top priorities of National PTA to better prepare all students for academic and career success and ensure they have a safe environment in which to thrive and learn,” said Otha Thornton, president of National PTA. “National PTA applauds President Obama’s prioritization of early learning and school safety in his 2015 budget proposal as well as his investments to expand opportunities and further the success of all of our nation’s children.”

National PTA also is pleased to see the President’s increase of almost two percent in overall education funding over the previous year. Education is a vital investment in our children, families and communities that improves our nation’s economic competitiveness.

National PTA will continue to advocate for greater investments in several key areas in the proposed budget as we move forward. The increase of almost $100 million for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grants to states for students with special needs is positive, but the association continues to advocate for the federal government’s commitment of providing schools 40 percent of the excess cost of educating children with special needs. Furthermore, National PTA continues to call for dedicated funding for family engagement in education: priority focus should be given to programs that include a strong family engagement component to promote educational equity and opportunity for all children. Research clearly shows that meaningful family-school partnerships are vital to the implementation of successful education reform.

As the oldest and largest child advocacy association in the country, National PTA is committed to working with the Administration and Congress to strengthen and advance programs that engage families and help all of our nation’s children reach their full potential.

For more information about the education priorities in the Fiscal Year 2015 budget proposal, click here.

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 parent involvement 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.