ASBO International members,
While nothing can be predicted with certainty, last night’s U.S. election results were a surprise for many. It is understandable that some of you may feel anxious about the implications the results will have for education policy and funding in 2017 and beyond. Although our current political environment for securing more education funding is daunting, some of the challenges are clear.
- The federal government has yet to pass a long-term spending bill for fiscal year (FY) 2017. Moreover, the starting points for negotiating education funding are low; this is unlikely to change with the next Congress remaining Republican.
- The cap on non-defense discretionary (NDD) spending, including for education programs, is lower in 2018 than the tight caps we’re seeing for 2017. Congress is likely going to continue lowering NDD spending even further to offset defense spending increases next year.
- Virginia Foxx (R-NC) will likely be the new House Education and Workforce Committee Chair, who will oversee Every Student Succeeds Act implementation and reauthorizing higher education legislation. She is not likely to support efforts increasing federal education funding.
Now that the election is over, there will be new leaders, proposals, and challenges next year that require education advocates—you—to get involved and advocate for your students as we transition to the next administration. As always, ASBO International is here to support you with the information, resources, and professional network you need to effectively lead your district.
Thank you.
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John D. Musso, CAE
Executive Director
ASBO International
jmusso@asbointl.org------------------------------