EDUCATION ISSUE H.R. 610:
What You Need to Know
Background: On January 23, 2017 Representative Steve King of Iowa introduced H.R.610 – a bill that would distribute Federal funds for elementary and secondary education in the form of vouchers for eligible students and to repeal a certain rule relating to nutrition standards in schools.
Issue: This bill threatens funding to public schools and equal opportunity in education. This bill is designed to take federal funds from public schools by dismantling Block Grants programs and other programs that are in place to assist communities of color.
What will the Bill Do?
- It seeks to eliminate the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965.
- It limits the U.S. Department of Educations authority.
- It would distribute funds for elementary and secondary education in the form of vouchers to eligible students (pushing for school choice) and would repeal certain nutrition standards for school lunches nationwide.
- It will impact programs for students with disa-bilities.
Status of the Bill:
The Bill has been referred to the House Committee on Education pending a hearing before it comes to the floor for a vote.
What You Can Do:
- Attend a Town Hall in your congressional district
- Contact Your U.S. Senator and House Representatives at www.senate.gov and www.house.gov
U.S. Capitol Switchboard (202) 224-3121.
You can download a copy of this article here: H.R. 610 EDUCATION REFORM.pdf
OTHER NEWS
SPOTLIGHT FEATURE ON JACK AND JILL OF AMERICA, INC.
To be valued and loved. To know who you are and that you have the power to make a
difference. These are the aspirations that most mothers have their children. In 1938, in the midst
of the Great Depression, twenty African-American mothers in Philadelphia came together not to
hope or to dream, but to provide the opportunities, experiences, and life lessons that would
enable their children and others to live these truths. Their group became Jack and Jill of
America, Inc. – an organization that’s mission is as relevant today as it was some 80 years ago.
JUNE IS AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH
This June, The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. (BWA) joins our nation in celebrating the 40th Anniversary of African American Music Appreciation Month.
The month-long observance, which was first inducted on June 7, 1979, by President Jimmy Carter was christened as Black Music Month. President Barack Obama renamed the national observance as African-American Music Appreciation Month. The observance was created to recognize and celebrate the historical influence African-Americans have had on the music industry and is intended to pay homage to the many artists, writers, songs and albums that have inspired music lovers and shaped American pop culture.
May Is Lupus Awareness Month
In honor of Lupus Awareness Month, the Lupus Foundation of America released a new survey they recently commissioned which reveals the need for better public understanding of this devastating autoimmune disease and why early diagnosis is so important.
According to the Lupus Foundation of America, “The survey sample was designed to be reflective of the U.S. population’s diverse demographics. Women of color are at two to three times greater risk for developing lupus than Caucasian women. However, over half of respondents (62%) didn’t recognize that minority populations were disproportionately impacted by lupus.
Minority women tend to develop lupus at a younger age, experiencing more serious complications and have higher mortality rates. This was reflected among minority respondents who indicated they were also more worried about developing the disease than others surveyed: 44% compared to 29% of the sample overall.”
© 2019 The Black Women’s Agenda, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy