Photo of Victoria Young

In This Issue: Department of Education hosts National Safe School Reopening Summit, Senate HELP Committee holds confirmation hearing for Cindy Marten, and earmarks make their return to Congress.

National Safe School Reopening Summit

On March 24, 2021, the Department of Education hosted the National Safe School Reopening Summit. According to the Department of Education, the

American Rescue Plan

On Wednesday, March 10, Congress passed President Biden’s stimulus and COVID-19 relief package, the American Rescue Plan. The $1.9 trillion package provides additional funding for vaccination efforts, COVID-19 testing, state and local governments, stimulus checks, unemployment assistance, rental assistance, education, child care, and small businesses.

Notably, the final bill is not the

Coronavirus Relief Summary

On Monday, December 21, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, which includes the highly anticipated coronavirus relief package. The $900 billion relief package includes funding for stimulus checks, unemployment benefits, small businesses, vaccine distribution, health care, education, transportation, rental assistance, and agriculture. President Trump is expected to sign the legislation.

Compared

Overview of Presidential Nominees’ Policies

The 2020 presidential campaign season is in full swing. The Democratic National Convention concluded on August 20 with former Vice President Joe Biden officially accepting his party’s nomination for president and Senator Kamala Harris accepting the nomination for vice president. A week later on August 27, President Donald Trump and

The State of Education in Washington

President Trump released his $4.8 trillion budget proposal for FY 2021 spending last week. The president’s budget aims to cut non-defense spending, including funding for the U.S. Department of Education. President Trump requested $66.6 billion for the Department of Education for FY 2021, which represents a $5.6 billion, or