Van Hollen Introduces Bill to "Keep Our Promise" to American Schoolchildren and Teachers

Statement

Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen introduced the Keep Our Promise to America's Children and Teachers (PACT) Act to fund key education programs and support schools in Maryland and across the country. The legislation would create a fiscally-responsible path to fully fund Title I and Individuals with Disability Education Act state grants on a mandatory basis.

"We should set high standards for all of our schools and students, but Congress must also follow through on its commitment to deliver promised levels of resources," said Congressman Van Hollen. "This legislation will improve our schools, expand opportunity for those with special needs, and help provide every student with the tools they need to succeed."

"Title I and IDEA grants play a pivotal role in addressing inequalities by providing resources for students in poverty, children with disabilities, and those most in need of extra assistance," said Betty Weller, President of the Maryland State Education Association. "We are proud to support the Keep Our PACT Act and will do all we can to work with the Congress to provide Maryland children with more opportunities to learn and achieve."

The Keep Our PACT Act is supported by a broad coalition of education groups, including the Maryland State Education Association, AFT Maryland, the Maryland PTA, the Maryland Association of Boards of Education, the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, the American Association of School Administrators, the National PTA, the Committee for Education Funding, the National Center for Learning Disabilities, the Council for Exceptional Children, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the National Rural Education Association, the National Rural Education Advocacy Coalition, the Association of Educational Service Agencies, the Association of School Business Officials International, The National School Board Association, and the National Association of State Directors of Special Education.

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