12/13/17
Federal
House Education and Workforce Committee members worked all day until 12:03am to "mark up" HR4508 which would reauthorize the nation's higher education act. The bill passed along straight party lines, 23-17. Members took up over 60 amendments to the partisan legislation supported by Republicans (called "PROSPER" or Promoting Real Opportunity, Success and Prosperity through Education Reform Act). Democrats opposed the bill, among other reasons of note, for lack of any involvement in the original drafting of the bill, lack of any section addressing the DACA or so-called "dreamers Act, and for no guarantee to cap the borrowing costs of higher education loans. The majority of amendments came from Democrats and were voted down along party lines. As of this hour, the amendments had not been posted, but some are referenced on the Democrat member webpage in the next paragraph or @edworkforcedems.
HR4508 will now go to the floor although no date has been announced. The Republican leadership website with background and talking points can be viewed here. A substitute bill released this morning can be downloaded here. The Democrats' webpage information can be viewed here. The bill has direct and indirect implications for K-12 students, including student aid and programs such as dual enrollment.
Look for Congress to stay in Washington this weekend trying to reach agreement on debt, spending and related bills to avoid either a December 22nd shutdown of non-essential federal services or having to extend the current Continuing Resolution (CR) beyond December 22nd. The major factor at this point is getting agreement on the proposed tax code revision and tax cut legislation. The price tag of $1.2-1.4 Trillion over ten years in reduced revenue projections has a major impact on levels of domestic and defense spending for the current federal year that started October 1st and for our education funding for next year (2018-2019). Conferencing between House and Senate leaders is continuing this week.
Meanwhile, a name from Florida's relatively recent history surfaced today as Frank Brogan, former elected state Education Commissioner and Lt. Governor (under Jeb Bush), has been named Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education by President Trump, subject to U.S. Senate conformation. Brogan, who began as a teacher and then elected Superintendent in Martin County, retired earlier this year as chancellor of the Pennsylvania state university system. He played a major role in the transition in Florida from elected to appointed state commissioner in 1998-2002. He also served as Chancellor of the Florida Board of Governors and as president of Florida Atlantic University.
State
Constitutional Revision Committees meet this week. Of note is the Local Government committee on Thursday that will take up proposals 33 and 43 (school board term limits and change to appointed superintendents). The Education Committee hears further background education on issues including school choice. The materials, that now include some staff analyses, can be found here.
The Economic, Demographic and Research Office updated its schedule of EDER estimating conferences today to include the next General Revenue Conference for February 9th at am This is the last major estimate before lawmakers move to settle differences between House and Senate budgets that will be in conference committee just about that time. The meeting will be webcast over www.thefloridachannel.org.
House Education and Workforce Committee members worked all day until 12:03am to "mark up" HR4508 which would reauthorize the nation's higher education act. The bill passed along straight party lines, 23-17. Members took up over 60 amendments to the partisan legislation supported by Republicans (called "PROSPER" or Promoting Real Opportunity, Success and Prosperity through Education Reform Act). Democrats opposed the bill, among other reasons of note, for lack of any involvement in the original drafting of the bill, lack of any section addressing the DACA or so-called "dreamers Act, and for no guarantee to cap the borrowing costs of higher education loans. The majority of amendments came from Democrats and were voted down along party lines. As of this hour, the amendments had not been posted, but some are referenced on the Democrat member webpage in the next paragraph or @edworkforcedems.
HR4508 will now go to the floor although no date has been announced. The Republican leadership website with background and talking points can be viewed here. A substitute bill released this morning can be downloaded here. The Democrats' webpage information can be viewed here. The bill has direct and indirect implications for K-12 students, including student aid and programs such as dual enrollment.
Look for Congress to stay in Washington this weekend trying to reach agreement on debt, spending and related bills to avoid either a December 22nd shutdown of non-essential federal services or having to extend the current Continuing Resolution (CR) beyond December 22nd. The major factor at this point is getting agreement on the proposed tax code revision and tax cut legislation. The price tag of $1.2-1.4 Trillion over ten years in reduced revenue projections has a major impact on levels of domestic and defense spending for the current federal year that started October 1st and for our education funding for next year (2018-2019). Conferencing between House and Senate leaders is continuing this week.
Meanwhile, a name from Florida's relatively recent history surfaced today as Frank Brogan, former elected state Education Commissioner and Lt. Governor (under Jeb Bush), has been named Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education by President Trump, subject to U.S. Senate conformation. Brogan, who began as a teacher and then elected Superintendent in Martin County, retired earlier this year as chancellor of the Pennsylvania state university system. He played a major role in the transition in Florida from elected to appointed state commissioner in 1998-2002. He also served as Chancellor of the Florida Board of Governors and as president of Florida Atlantic University.
State
Constitutional Revision Committees meet this week. Of note is the Local Government committee on Thursday that will take up proposals 33 and 43 (school board term limits and change to appointed superintendents). The Education Committee hears further background education on issues including school choice. The materials, that now include some staff analyses, can be found here.
The Economic, Demographic and Research Office updated its schedule of EDER estimating conferences today to include the next General Revenue Conference for February 9th at am This is the last major estimate before lawmakers move to settle differences between House and Senate budgets that will be in conference committee just about that time. The meeting will be webcast over www.thefloridachannel.org.
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