ALEXANDRIA, Va., (March 20, 2024)—National PTA issued the following statement on President Joe Biden’s budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2025. The statement can be attributed to National PTA President Yvonne Johnson:

“President Biden’s FY25 budget proposal requests $82.4 billion for the U.S. Department of Education—a $3.1 billion increase over current budget allocations. National PTA is pleased to see the proposal makes investments in education. We particularly appreciate the $200 million increase for the Title I program, which provides support to high-poverty schools across the nation. We also appreciate the $200 million increase for Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grants to states. The proposal also includes increased funding to support infants, toddlers and preschool children with disabilities, as well as a $10 million increase in grants to address the shortage of special education personnel.

“Our association also appreciates the request included in the proposal for continued funding for the Statewide Family Engagement Centers (SFECs) grant program, which provides much-needed technical assistance and partnership development to states and school districts to foster meaningful family engagement. We will continue to advocate, however, for at least $25 million to be allocated to the program so that it can be expanded to serve more families.

“National PTA is also pleased to see the requests included in the proposal to increase funding for the Title IV-A program to provide all students access to a well-rounded education; create a new program to address learning recovery including through summer and afterschool programs; increase funding for full-service community schools; continue investments in school-based mental health services to increase the number of certified school-based counselors, psychologists, social workers and other mental health professionals supporting students; increase funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to implement evidence-based, comprehensive school health policies, practices and programs designed to improve mental and behavioral health; increase funding to support career and technical education, high school graduation, college preparation and access; and increase funding for the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights to help ensure that every child has access to a fair and equitable education.

“At PTA, we have continuously advocated for increased and equitable federal investment in our public schools to ensure all children have access to a high-quality, equitable and well-rounded education in a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment. We have also continuously advocated to ensure supports and services are in place for meaningful family engagement and true family-school partnerships. Our association stands ready to work with the Administration and Congress to make sure investments in education and family engagement become a reality so that all students and families have the supports they need for success in school and in life.”

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.