S.343 - Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers Act; Keep Our PACT Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.343, the "Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers Act" or the "Keep Our PACT Act," aims to provide mandatory funding for Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The bill proposes increasing funding for these programs incrementally from fiscal year 2026 through 2035. It designates these funding increases as emergency requirements.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would significantly increase federal funding for elementary and secondary education, particularly for disadvantaged students and students with disabilities. This could lead to improved educational outcomes and opportunities for these populations. The bill also designates the funding as an emergency requirement, potentially impacting budget priorities.
Potential Benefits
- Increased funding for Title I programs, benefiting low-income students.
- Enhanced resources for students with disabilities through IDEA funding.
- Potential for improved educational outcomes and reduced achievement gaps.
- Long-term investment in education, seen as benefiting the nation's future.
- Predictable funding streams for schools, aiding in budget planning.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased federal spending and potential budget deficits.
- Possible shift in budget priorities due to the emergency designation.
- Potential for inefficient allocation of funds if not managed effectively.
- Increased federal oversight of education, which some may view as overreach.
- The specific funding formulas may not address the unique needs of all states and districts.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). The federal government's role in education is not explicitly defined in the Constitution, but the Supreme Court has generally upheld federal education legislation under the spending clause (Article I, Section 8). However, some may argue that such extensive federal involvement infringes upon states' rights, reserved by the Tenth Amendment.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).