With historic investments in public education, Biden’s budget proposal boosts opportunity for students and strengthens middle class families

WASHINGTON — After President Joe Biden released his FY2022 budget proposal, which includes historic investments in public education, boosting opportunities for America’s students and strengthening middle class families, National Education Association President Becky Pringle released the following statement:

“President Joe Biden often says, ‘Show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value.’ Today, by releasing his budget that includes historic investments in America’s students, working families, and public education, President Biden is showing us once again how much he values our public schools and institutions of higher learning.

“President Biden knows that all our students — Black and white, Native and newcomer, Hispanic and Asian alike — should have the opportunity to get a great public education, which is why he is listening to educators and parents on what our students need as we move beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The President’s budget makes good on his promise to lift our most vulnerable families out of poverty with a budget that truly prioritizes students. After decades of underfunding Title I and IDEA, President Biden’s historic investments begin to fulfill longtime federal commitments to our most vulnerable students and those from the most underserved communities.

“This budget will help ensure our schools can attract and retain the best educators by paying them like the professionals they are. And the significant investments proposed in special education, full-service community schools, school counselors, affordable housing, and healthcare while extending Pell Grants to DREAMers, will help us build back better for all Americans.

“The National Education Association’s 3 million members are committed to leading a movement that unites our members and this nation to transform public education into a racially and socially just and equitable system that prepares every student to succeed in a diverse and interdependent world. We now have a partner in the White House who is supporting us in this critical mission. We look forward to working alongside the Biden administration and Congress to turn this vision into a reality.”

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.