ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Dec. 17, 2014) — National PTA President Otha Thornton issued the following statement on the passage of the Fiscal Year 2015 (FY2015) appropriations bill:

“Last night, President Barack Obama signed a spending bill that funds the government through Sept. 30, 2015. National PTA applauds Congress for working together to reach an agreement that avoided a government shutdown and provides funding for federal programs and services through the end of Fiscal Year 2015.  

“Overall, funding for education remains at the current level for FY2015, but with some modest increases. National PTA praises Congress for prioritizing federal investment in the following programs:

• Title I, which provides assistance to schools with high percentages of children from low-income families and includes some funds for family engagement efforts; and
• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which provides grants to states to support students with special needs.    

“National PTA is also pleased to see Congress continue to emphasize the importance of early childhood education by increasing funding for the recently reauthorized Child Care and Development Block Grant program, which funds state efforts to provide and improve child care services for low-income families, and maintaining grants to states to expand and strengthen their pre-K programs. Research shows that providing effective, targeted supports and interventions to children and parents before they enter school better prepares them for academic and career success.

“Additionally, National PTA applauds Congress for reaching a compromise that keeps in place nutrition standards for school meals. During the past few years, schools nationwide have made exceptional progress in providing a healthier environment and enhancing students’ nutritional health by meeting updated standards for foods sold during the school day. The continued success of the nation’s child nutrition programs is critical to the lives and futures of all children as well as the future of the country.

“Federal investment in education and health and wellness initiatives is critical to children’s and the nation’s long-term success. National PTA remains committed to working with Congress and the Administration to ensure investments are provided that enable every child to reach his or her potential.”

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.