FGN News: October 2017

Please join NASSP, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators in honoring our nation’s principals during National Principals Month! Throughout October, our organizations urge schools, states, and government officials to make a concerted effort to recognize the impact principals have on student achievement and school success. We also offer ideas to show appreciation for these tireless leaders.

There are countless ways to participate and show your support! Visit

to get ideas on how to recognize principals and to see the

that has been introduced to honor school leaders. You can also check

to see what others are doing or share why you love being a principal.

This Month’s Top Advocacy Issues

Congressional Leadership’s Latest Attempt to Repeal ACA Falls Short

In September, Senators Graham (R-SC) and Cassidy (R-LA) introduced a

that would repeal the Affordable Care Act. This legislation proposed dramatic cuts to the Medicaid program and would have prevented schools from providing comprehensive services for students. Almost 70 percent of school districts across the United States report using Medicaid to pay the salaries of school-based behavioral and mental health staff. Almost half of the districts use the funds to cover licensing and association fees; professional development and continuing education; technology; or for creation of innovative intervention programs. Ultimately, Senators McCain (R-AZ), Paul (R-KY), and Collins (R-ME) have come out in opposition to the bill, meaning that it will not be able to reach the 50 votes necessary to pass.

Congress’ Focus Shifts to Tax Reform

After the latest failed effort to repeal ACA, congressional leadership has turned its attention away from health care to focus on another of President Trump’s campaign promises. In late September, Republicans released their

. Many education organizations have voiced their concern over the plan due to its elimination of the state and local tax deduction (SALT). SALT offers potential tax breaks for individuals who pay for state and local taxes on real estate property, income, personal property, and sales. SALT offers “an incentive, in the form of lower federal taxes, for individuals to engage in activities that benefit education and the larger society,” according to a paper from the Center on Education Policy.

Twitter Talk

For more advocacy tweets, join us on social media by following NASSP and the advocacy staff on Twitter:

Collaborations

On October 3, the NASSP Advocacy Department participated in the Committee for Education Funding’s (CEF) Capitol Hill Day and Legislative Gala. The staff helped lead over 140 people onto Capitol Hill to advocate for more federal investments at all levels of education. For more information on CEF, its members, and its mission, please visit the official

.