One of the many ways we make our voice heard in support of our advocacy efforts is by adding our name to sign-on letters that either we or coalition partners write. These letters are sent to legislators to educate them about a topic at hand and to influence their decisions on matters that would help improve the lives of children. Take a look at our growing list of the issues we back! Want to Add Your Voice to Our Advocacy Efforts? We can help you make a difference in kids’ lives, too. Whenever an issue that we’re backing comes up in your state, we’ll send you a brief email inviting you to take action. We’ll provide prepared content that you can share with lawmakers. Sign up now! Letters for 2024 Support for the PACE Act 2024 February 22, 2024. This letter urges the inclusion of the bipartisan Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACE) Act in the final reauthorization of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act to help prevent and mitigate adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) for five years. Read the full letter here. WA H.B. 2239 Organizational Support Letter February 8, 2024. This letter from Committee for Children and 14 other organizations urges Washington State House representatives to vote yes on H.B. 2239, a bill providing necessary funding to teach social-emotional skills. Read the full letter here. Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act Letter February 5, 2024. This is a letter to US House and Senate leaders requesting that Congress enact the Community Mental Wellness and Resilience Act this year. It also requests the leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health and the Senate HELP Committee hold a hearing on the measure. Read the full letter here. NDD United Letter Asking Congress to Reject a Full-Year Continuing Resolution January 7, 2024. This letters requests that Congress reject a full-year continuing resolution and instead finish the FY24 appropriations process with the bipartisan Senate funding bills as a starting point for negotiations. Read the full letter here. Letters for 2023 Support to Maintain SEL in the SUPPORT Act December 11, 2023. This letter opposes the inclusion of an anti-SEL amendment in the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act that eliminates the term “social and emotional learning” as an authorized evidence-based activity in a trauma-informed services grant program in current law. Read the full letter here. Recommendations for the Advancing Research in Education Act of 2023 December 6, 2023. This letter to the Senate HELP Committee includes recommendations for improvements to the Advancing Research in Education Act of 2023 to increase the timeliness and usefulness of education research and development to improve teaching and learning nationwide. Read the full letter here. Public Comment on Request for Information on Potential Seedlings to Scale Program November 13, 2023. Committee for Children provided comments in response to a request for information on a potential new program called the Seedlings to Scale Program, which would support advanced education research and development to create scalable solutions for all learners. Read the full letter here. Education Trust Letter — FY24 Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill Opposition November 13, 2023. This letter urges members of Congress to oppose the proposed 2024 appropriations bill for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies due to its funding cuts to critical education programs. Read the full letter here. GLSEN Letter — FY24 Labor-HHS Appropriations Bill Opposition November 9, 2023. The letter urges the Committee on Rules to oppose the proposed fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies due to its proposed harmful cuts, including a roughly $300 million cut to school mental health services under Title IV-A. The letter also urges opposition because of the bill's inclusion of a section that would block implementation of necessary updates to Title IX proposed by the U.S. Department of Education that could help protect students against discrimination, bullying, and harassment. Read the full letter here. Civil Rights Principles for Multilingual Learner Education October 27, 2023. This letter supports the Civil Rights Principles for Multilingual Learner Education developed by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and by the Leadership Conference Education Fund that, if incorporated into relevant policies, would work to ensure that children who speak more than one language have access to and are included in comprehensive, diverse, and high-quality education settings. Read the full letter here. CASEL Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Letter October 26, 2023. This joint letter with the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) recommends that Congress includes a stronger emphasis on employability skills, the recommended alternative to “social and emotional skills” given the context of WIOA, in the signature workforce law. It also encourages greater emphasis on evidence-based practices to prepare learners for the world of work. Read the full letter here. Safe Schools Improvement Act Letter of Support October 24, 2023. This letter urges members of congress to co-sponsor the Safe Schools Improvement Act, which would establish federal standards to protect students from bullying and harassment. The bill requires restorative approaches to school discipline that minimize the removal of students from learning communities. Read the full letter here. Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACE) Act September 20, 2023. This letter, written by the Child Trauma and ACEs Policy (CTAP) Working Group, asks for the reauthorization of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act. This legislation would authorize critical efforts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent and mitigate adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). It would also enable new CDC research on ACEs with diverse sample populations and a focus on the connection between ACEs and negative health outcomes, the intensity and frequency of ACEs, and the influence of particular risk and protective factors. Read the full letter here. Coalition on Human Needs — Letter to Urge Congress to Avoid a Government Shutdown September 12, 2023. This letter calls on Congress to fulfill its duty to keep the government running by passing a clean bipartisan, bicameral continuing resolution that ensures federal programs continue to serve essential needs while Congress works to finish fiscal year 2024 funding legislation. Read the full letter here. First Focus Letter on the Children's Interagency Coordinating Council September 8, 2023. This letter expresses gratitude for Secretary Becerra's leadership and inquires about actions regarding the future of the Children's Interagency Coordinating Council housed within the Office of the Secretary, Health and Human Services. The letter also urges that funding for the council continue beyond what was allocated by Congress in fiscal year 2023 and was included in the department's fiscal year 2024 budget request. Read the full letter here. NDD United Letter May 15, 2023. This letter calls on Congress to reject cuts to NDD appropriations and instead set funding for fiscal year 2024 at a level that recognizes both rising costs and the need for investment in programs important to fostering economic growth and meeting human needs. Read the full letter here. ESRA Response to Request for Information April 19, 2023. This letter is a response to the Senate HELP Committee’s bipartisan Request for Input (RFI) about a potential reauthorization of the Education Sciences Reform Act (ESRA). Read the full letter here. Sign-On Regarding Report Language Request for School-Based Primary Prevention for Medicaid-Eligible Students April 11, 2023. This letter asks the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on LHHS-ED to include FY24 report language to bolster access to primary prevention programs and services that promote mental health and wellness for Medicaid-eligible students in school settings. Read the full letter here. YDST Sign-On Letter Regarding Use of ESSER Funds April 7, 2023. This letter was sent to the Washington House of Representatives and recommends that ESSER funding not be taken away from current grantees. Read the full letter here. 21st Century Community Learning Center Appropriations FY 2024 March 24, 2023. This letter, written in partnership with the Afterschool Alliance, is in regard to the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies. It asks members of the committee to increase funding for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) (Title IV Part B of the Every Student Succeeds Act) to $2.09 billion. Read the full letter here. CTAP FY24 Appropriations Letter March 24, 2023. This letter, written in partnership with the Child Trauma and ACEs Policy (CTAP) Working Group, requests appropriations funding to help build on the success of and continue to support the integration of trauma-informed policies and practices into already-existing federal programs. Read the full letter here. ALI FY24 Appropriations Letter March 24, 2023. This letter, written in partnership with the Alliance for Learning Innovation (ALI), requests increased funding for education research and development in the fiscal year 2024 appropriations bills. Read the full letter here. IDEA Full Funding Coalition — FY24 Appropriations Sign-On Letter March 24, 2023. This letter is in support of full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), requesting the maximum increase possible in funding for IDEA as part of a fair and proportional allocation for the final Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 LHHS-Education appropriations bill. Read the full letter here. FY24 Investments in SEL within the EIR Program March 24, 2023. This letter is in support of FY24 increases in funding for the EIR program. The EIR program is the only federal K–12 program with a dedicated priority for SEL. Read the full letter here. Community Safety Working Group FY24 Sign-On Letter March 14, 2023. This letter in partnership with the Community Safety Working Group requests a Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations package that prioritizes safety in our communities through a public health approach. Read the full letter here. Letter in Opposition to Corporal Punishment in Schools January 6, 2023. A letter to federal, state, and local policymakers in opposition to corporal punishment in schools, led by The Education Trust and the National Women’s Law Center. Read the full letter here. Letters for 2022 Letter of Support for the SAFER Act December 1, 2022. A letter of endorsement for the Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence Reporting (SAFER) Act, intended to provide protections to student victims of sexual assault and other types of harassment. Read a press release about the act. Title IV-A Coalition Appropriations Letter for FY 2023–2024 November 29, 2022. A letter urging Congress to fund the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grant program, authorized by Title IV-A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) program, at $2 billion in fiscal year 2023. This block grant supports investments in safe and healthy students, well-rounded education programs, and the effective use of technology in education. Read the full letter here. Letter of Support for RISE from Trauma Act Provisions November 22, 2022. A letter supporting the inclusion of provisions from the Resilience Investment, Support, and Expansion (RISE) from Trauma Act into a year-end mental health package. Read the full letter here. Letter of Support for CAPTA Reauthorization and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act November 21, 2022. A letter asking Congress to include the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) reauthorization and the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act in an end-of-year package. Read the full letter here. National Injury Prevention Day Sign-On Letter November 18, 2022. A letter promoting the importance of National Injury Prevention Day (NIPD), which is dedicated to educating and empowering communities to make a difference by working toward reducing injuries and death. Read the full letter here. Letter of Support for the Educators for America Act November 8, 2022. A letter asking Congress to co-sponsor the Educators for America Act introduced by Senator Jack Reed and Representative Alma Adams. Read the full letter here. Title VI School Discipline Guidance Letter November 7, 2022. A letter calling on the US Departments of Justice and Education to update and publish guidance under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to clarify that all students have the right to be free from racial discrimination in the administration of school discipline. Read the full letter here. National State of Emergency in Children’s Mental Health Sign-On Letter October 13, 2022. A letter marking the one-year anniversary of the declaration of a national state of emergency in children’s mental health and urging the president to extend the declaration. Read the full letter here. Letter to OSPI Regarding H.B. 1664 Rules September 29, 2022. A letter voicing concerns about the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s proposed rules for implementing H.B. 1664 funding to address the student mental health crisis. Read the full letter here. Letter of Support for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act August 3, 2022. A letter strongly urging Congress to invest in evidence-based programs that provide safe, healthy, and inclusive school climates through the implementation of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Read the full letter here. Letter of Support for the Trauma-Informed Schools Act July 21, 2022. A letter endorsing the Trauma-Informed Schools Act of 2019, which would define trauma-informed practices in federal education law for the first time and support educators with resources and training to provide trauma-informed care. Read a press release about the legislation. Letter of Support for Primary Prevention June 22, 2022. A letter urging Congress to prioritize access to primary prevention for all young people as part of a full continuum of support. Read the full letter here. Letter from the Title IV-A Coalition in Response to the Mass Shooting in Uvalde May 31, 2022. A letter from a coalition of national organizations dedicated to student wellness that calls for Congress to enact meaningful gun safety policies that will prevent future acts of gun violence in schools. Read the full letter here. Letter of Support for the Full-Service Community Schools Program May 12, 2022. A letter urging congressional appropriations subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies to match the president’s budget request of $463 million for the Full-Service Community Schools Program in fiscal year 2023. Read the full letter here. 302(b) Community Sign-On Letter May 10, 2022. A letter urging congressional appropriations committee leadership to enact earlier COVID-19 relief funding and fund ongoing programs for fiscal year 2022. Read the full letter here. Letter of Support for the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act April 29, 2022. A letter urging members of Congress to co-sponsor and support the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act (H.R. 3836 and S. 2029) to end corporal punishment and harmful discipline practices in schools and make investments in strategies that work to support students, equip teachers, and promote stronger school communities. Read the full letter here. Letter Regarding Funding for Child Sexual Abuse Prevention April 27, 2022. A letter to the House and Senate’s Appropriations committees requesting lawmakers include $10 million in fiscal year 2023 funding in the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittees bill for the Division of Violence Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to research child sexual abuse prevention. Read the full letter here. Letter Regarding Funding for Title IV-A of ESSA April 26, 2022. A letter to the House’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies urging lawmakers to fund the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grant program under Title IV, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act program at $2 billion in fiscal year 2023. Read the full letter here. Letter Regarding Funding for Child Trauma and ACEs Policy Working Group Priorities April 25, 2022. A letter to the House and Senate’s Appropriations committees requesting that lawmakers support fiscal year 2023 funding for key priorities of the Child Trauma and ACEs Policy Working Group, including the Interagency Task Force on Trauma-Informed Care, ACEs research, the Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence Initiative, Project AWARE, addressing child trauma through Head Start and Early Head Start, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, and other opportunities. Read the full letter here. Letter Requesting Funding for the Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants Program (Title II-A of ESSA) April 21, 2022. A letter to the House and Senate’s Appropriations subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies encouraging lawmakers to invest in retaining and recruiting teachers, principals, and other school leaders and improving their practice by providing $3 billion in fiscal year 2023 for the Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants program, Title II, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Read the full letter here. Civil Rights Principles for Early Care and Education March 2022. Committee for Children signed the Civil Rights Principles for Early Care and Education (ECE), developed collaboratively by members of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and The Leadership Conference Education Fund. The Civil Rights Principles for ECE identify fundamental elements of the early childcare and education system that protect civil rights and advance equity for children, families, staff, and providers. Read the full letter here. Endorsement of the Teachers LEAD Act March 17, 2022. Committee for Children endorsed the Teachers Leading, Educating, Advancing, and Designing (LEAD) Act (S. 3881) introduced by Senator Ben Ray Luján and Representative Ruben Gallego. The legislation creates a grant program that allows school districts and Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools to create programs that expand leadership opportunities for classroom teachers and compensate them for added responsibilities. Read press releases here and here. Letter Requesting Funding for Child Trauma and ACEs Policy Working Group Priorities March 2, 2022. A letter to the House and Senate’s Appropriations committees requesting that lawmakers swiftly pass the fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills to ensure communities are supported with funding for outlined priorities, including the Interagency Task Force on Trauma-Informed Care, ACEs research, the Strategies to Support Children Exposed to Violence Initiative, Project AWARE, addressing child trauma through Head Start and Early Head Start, the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, and other opportunities. Read the full letter here. Letter Regarding Federal Funding for the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control February 22, 2022. A letter from the Injury and Violence Prevention Network to the House and Senate’s Appropriations subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies urging lawmakers to support fiscal year 2022 funding levels for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) as passed in the House bill. Read the full letter here. Committee for Children’s Public Comment on the Project Prevent Grant Program February 22, 2022. Committee for Children’s public comment supporting and providing feedback on the Project Prevent grant program for violence prevention efforts. Read the full letter here. Children’s Budget Coalition Letter Urging Passage of FY 2022 Annual Spending Bills February 15, 2022. A letter from the Children’s Budget Coalition urging congressional leadership to pass the fiscal year 2022 spending bills and to avoid a long-term continuing resolution. Read the full letter here. Letter Supporting Alaska House Bill for Youth Mental Health Education February 10, 2022. A letter of support for Alaska H.B. 60, which would give the state’s school districts the opportunity to provide age-appropriate mental health education to students. Read the full letter here. Letter to Protect Systems of Support for Students in Washington State February 10, 2022. A letter urging Washington State lawmakers to ensure that legislation changing the prototypical school funding formula is flexible, so schools and districts can provide comprehensive and responsive systems of support for students. Read the full letter here. Letter of Support for the Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act January 26, 2022. A letter encouraging the House Committee on Education and Labor and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry to include the Improving Mental Health and Wellness in Schools Act (H.R. 5526 and S. 2930) within the reauthorization of child nutrition legislation. Read the full letter here. Letter in Support of Legislation to Advance Safe, Healthy, and Inclusive School Climates January 19, 2022. A letter to Congress urging lawmakers to co-sponsor legislation to help promote positive school climates. Read the full letter here. Letter of Support for the Strength in Diversity Act January 11, 2022. A letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy in support of the Strength in Diversity Act of 2021 (H.R. 729), which would establish a voluntary grant program to support diverse school environments. Read the full letter here. Letter of Support for Retaining the Fostering Diverse Schools Program January 11, 2022. A letter to the House and Senate’s Appropriations subcommittees on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies urging lawmakers to include the Fostering Diverse Schools Program in the fiscal year 2022 federal budget. Read the full letter here. Letters for 2021 Letter Urging Co-Sponsorship of the Safe Schools Improvement Act December 15, 2021. A letter urging members of Congress to co-sponsor the Safe Schools Improvement Act (H.R. 4402 and S. 2410), which would establish federal standards to help protect every student from bullying and harassment. Read the full letter here. Letter Urging Passage of Federal Appropriations to Address Shortage of School-Based Mental Health Professionals December 7, 2021. A letter to the Senate’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies urging the passage of a fiscal year 2022 appropriations bill that helps address the shortage of school-based mental health professionals. Read the full letter here. Family Strengthening Infrastructure Act Endorsement August 6, 2021. Committee for Children endorsed the introduction of the Family Strengthening Infrastructure Act, which would increase funding for Titles I and II of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA). Read the full letter here. DigCitCommit Coalition FY 2022 Appropriations Letter July 2, 2021. A letter to urge congressional appropriations committee leadership to support funding for federal programs that support students’ and educators’ digital citizenship skills. Read the full letter here. CFC and CASEL SEL FY 2022 Appropriations Letter June 24, 2021. A letter on behalf of CASEL, Committee for Children, and 137 other organizations urging the chairs and ranking members of Congress’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies to prioritize funding for social-emotional learning (SEL) in the fiscal year 2022 budget. Read the full letter here. Letter to Congress’s Appropriations Subcommittee Concerning the SSAE Grant Program June 24, 2021. A letter to Congress’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies requesting that Congress fund the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grant program under Title IV-A at $2 billion. Read the full letter here. RISE from Trauma Act Endorsement June 16, 2021. Committee for Children endorsed the introduction of the Resilience Investment, Support, and Expansion (RISE) from Trauma Act, which would increase funding for community-based efforts to prevent and address trauma. Read the full letter here. Protecting Our Students in Schools Act Endorsement June 10, 2021. Committee for Children endorsed the reintroduction of the Protecting Our Students in Schools Act, which would federally prohibit corporal punishment in schools that receive federal funding. Read the full letter here. Letter Concerning the Funding Allocation in Congressional LHHS-ED Appropriations June 10, 2021. A letter to Congress’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS-ED) requesting that Congress increase the funding allocation for LHHS-ED appropriations. Read the full letter here. Title IV-A Coalition Statement on President Biden’s FY 2022 Proposal for SSAE Grant Program Appropriations May 28, 2021. A statement on behalf of the Title IV-A Coalition expressing gratitude for President Biden’s funding proposal of $1.22 billion for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) block grant under Title IV-A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Read the full letter here. Document Providing School Discipline Guidance Recommendations to Ensure Nondiscrimination of Students May 5, 2021. A document submitted to President Biden’s administration urging them to strengthen and issue new school guidance to ensure nondiscrimination of students in the context of school discipline. Read the full letter here. Letter to Support Funding for Integrated, Inclusive Learning Environments in FY 2022 April 26, 2021. A letter to Congress’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies requesting funding for integrated, inclusive learning environments by investing in the Magnet Schools Assistance Program, by investing in locally led strategies to promote racial and socioeconomic integration, and by making communities aware of existing funding that can support integrated, inclusive learning environments. Read the full letter here. Letter Urging Funding for the Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants Program April 22, 2021. A Letter to Congress’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies urging funding for the Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants program under Title II, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Read the full letter here. Letter Providing Recommendations for State and Local Education Agencies in Implementing the American Rescue Plan April 13, 2021. A letter to the US Department of Education providing recommendations for guidance, reporting requirements, and technical assistance to help state and local education agencies implement the American Rescue Plan. Read the full letter here. Letter Urging Changes to Civil Rights Data Collection March 22, 2021. A letter from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights to the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights urging changes to the process regarding the Civil Rights Data Collection timing and survey instrument. Read the full letter here. Letter Urging Congress to Fund Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Research in Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations March 11, 2021. A letter urging the US Congress to include $10 million for the Division of Violence Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to research child sexual abuse prevention in the fiscal year 2022 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) appropriations bill. Read the full Senate letter here. Read the full House letter here. Letter Supporting Confirmation of Miguel Cardona as US Secretary of Education March 1, 2021. A letter from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights to US senators supporting the confirmation of Dr. Miguel Cardona as the next US Secretary of Education. Read the full letter here. Letter to the US House Committee on Energy and Commerce Regarding the Emergency Connectivity Funding in S. Con. Res. 5 February 10, 2021. A letter to the US House Committee on Energy and Commerce supporting the $7.6 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund contained in the Concurrent Resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2021 (S. Con. Res. 5) that would provide support for schools and libraries to purchase technology and devices needed for internet connectivity through the E-rate program. Read the full letter here. Letters for 2020 Letter to Biden-Harris Transition Team Regarding Federal School Discipline and School Climate Recommendations December 18, 2020. A letter to President-elect Biden’s transition team regarding federal recommendations for school discipline and school climate. Read the full letter here. Letter Encouraging US Senate to Pass the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (H.R. 2480) December 14, 2020. A letter from the National Child Abuse Coalition encouraging the US Senate to pass H.R. 2480, the Stronger Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. Read the full letter here. Letter to Congress Regarding Including Emergency Connectivity Fund in COVID-19 Relief Package November 20, 2020. A letter urging Congress to include provisions to establish an “Emergency Connectivity Fund” to provide $12 billion to schools and libraries to ensure that students and educators have internet access from home and appropriate connectivity devices. Read the full letter here. Letter to the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies Concerning Funding for Educator Professional Development November 18, 2020. A letter to Congress’s Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies concerning funding in fiscal year 2021 for educator professional development as defined within Title II-A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Read the full letter here. Letter to Biden-Harris Transition Team Regarding SEL November 13, 2020. A letter to President-elect Biden’s transition team from Committee for Children and CASEL outlining how the administration can support student-worker outcomes via social-emotional learning (SEL). Read the full letter here. A Letter in Support of the STRONG Support Children Act October 5, 2020. A letter to Representative Pressley in support of the Services and Trauma-informed Research of Outcomes in Neighborhood Grants (STRONG) for Support for Children Act. Read the full letter here. A Letter Advocating Youth Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Support September 18, 2020. A letter to Speaker Pelosi and Leader McCarthy advocating youth suicide prevention and early intervention that supports youth mental health by bringing forth bipartisan pieces of legislation that further these efforts. Read the full letter here. Sign-On Expressing Support for a Maintenance of Equity Requirement September 2, 2020. A letter to Chairman Scott, Ranking Member Foxx, Chairwoman DeLauro, Ranking Member Cole, Chairman Blunt, Chairman Alexander, and Ranking Member Murray expressing support for adding a Maintenance of Equity requirement to any proposed federal education relief package. Read the full letter here. Sign-On Advocating Substantial Funding for Education in the Next COVID-19 Relief Package August 6, 2020. A letter to Senators McConnell and Schumer and Representatives Pelosi and McCarthy advocating additional stabilization funding for education. Read the full letter here. A Statement in Support of After-School Programs July 25, 2020. A statement in support of after-school, out-of-school time, summer learning, and community-based programs as critical partners and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read the full letter here. Letter with the Injury and Violence Prevention Network on COVID-19 Supplemental Funding July 24, 2020. A letter to Majority Leader McConnell, Speaker Pelosi, Minority Leader Schumer, and Minority Leader McCarthy advocating response to and prevention of injuries and violence in the next emergency funding package. Read the full letter here. Sign-On in Support for the RISE from Trauma Act July 22, 2020. A letter to Senators Durbin, Moore Capito, Duckworth, and Murkowski, and Representatives Davis and Gallagher, expressing support for the Resilience Investment, Support, and Expansion (RISE) from Trauma Act. Read the full letter here. A Sign-On from the Prevention Coalition in Support of the Invest in Child Safety Act July 7, 2020. A letter to the bill sponsors in support of the Invest in Child Safety Act. Read the full letter here. Letter in Support of the STANDUP Act June 29, 2020. A letter to Chairman Pallone, Chairwoman Eshoo, Ranking Member Walden, and Ranking Member Burgess expressing strong support for the Suicide Training and Awareness Nationally Delivered for Universal Prevention (STANDUP) Act. Read the full letter here. Endorsement of the Civil Rights Principles for Safe, Healthy, and Inclusive School Climates June 15, 2020. A document for US Congress outlining the Civil Rights Principles for Safe, Healthy, and Inclusive School Climates endorsed by Committee for Children in June 2020. Read the full letter here. Leading Organizations and Child Sexual Abuse Survivors Call for Significant FY 2020 Emergency Supplemental Funding June 3, 2020. A letter to Speaker Pelosi and Leaders McConnell, Schumer, and McCarthy calling for a $300 million investment in emergency funding to strengthen child safety and protection in the next COVID-19 relief package. Read the full letter here. A Letter Advocating Suicide Prevention and Youth Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic May 11, 2020. A letter to Congress advocating the inclusion of suicide prevention and youth mental health policies and funding in the next COVID-19 relief package. Read the full letter here. Sign-On Encouraging Additional Investment in Education within Stabilization Funding May 5, 2020. A letter to Congress leaders encouraging additional stabilization funds with substantial funding for education, inclusive of addressing supports for social-emotional learning. Read the full letter here. Education Organization Sign-On for Nonprofit Relief April 30, 2020. A letter to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader McCarthy, and Minority Leader Schumer urging inclusion of additional emergency support in the next coronavirus aid package for 501(c)(6) organizations. Read the full letter here. Joint Policy Recommendations Concerning SEL April 29, 2020. Policy recommendations sent to the National Governors Association regarding effective use of funds to support the continuity of student engagement through SEL; spearheaded by CASEL and Committee for Children. Read the full letter here. Out-of-School Time Letter to Governors and Mayors April 29, 2020. A letter to the National Governors Association and the United States Conference of Mayors advocating that federal CARES Act dollars as well as already existing federal, state, and local funds incorporate high-quality out-of-school time and summer learning. Read the full letter here. Letter to House Leadership Regarding Homework Gap April 22, 2020. A letter to House Leadership in support of the E-Rate program for schools and libraries to support distance and remote learning for millions of students without home internet access for the duration of the COVID-19 emergency. Read the full letter here. Sign-On Supporting Supplemental Funding Title III of ESEA in COVID Relief April 17, 2020. A letter to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader McCarthy, and Minority Leader Schumer urging support for $1 billion in supplemental funding for Title III of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in the next relief package to help ensure that states and districts have the necessary resources to address the unique needs of English Learner students. Read the full letter here. Out-of-School Time Providers Letter April 14, 2020. A letter to Congress requesting support for protection of youth well-being and sustaining critical services for youth, inclusive of out-of-school time and summer learning opportunities and trauma-informed supports, in additional COVID-19 relief legislation. Read the full letter here. Early Learning Action Alliance Letter on Washington COVID-19 Response March 31, 2020. A letter to Governor Inslee and Secretary Hunter regarding the COVID-19 response, recovery in Washington State, and requests to protect the early learning system in the state. Read the full letter here. FY 2021 Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Research Sign-On Letter March 27, 2020. A letter to Chairs Lowey and Shelby, and Ranking Members Granger and Leahy, requesting a $10 million appropriation for child sexual abuse prevention research at the CDC’s Division of Violence Prevention. Read the full letter here. Title IV-A Coalition Sign-on Regarding Adequate Investment in Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies March 23, 2020. A letter to Speaker Pelosi, Leader McConnell, Democratic Leader Schumer, and Republican Leader McCarthy urging them to guarantee an adequate investment in federal education by ensuring the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill receives proportional funding in the FY 2021 budget. Also included is encouragement to fully fund the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) flexible block grant program at its authorized level of $1.6 billion. Read the full letter here. NCAC Letter on COVID-19 Response March 19, 2020. A letter from the National Child Abuse Coalition (NCAC) to Chairman Alexander, Ranking Member Murray, Chairman Grassley, and Ranking Member Wyden regarding their response to COVID-19, the increased risk for child abuse during the pandemic, and funding through provisions in the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and Title IV-B of the Social Security Act. Read the full letter here. Title IV-A Coalition Sign-On Regarding COVID-19 Response March 18, 2020. A letter to Speaker Pelosi, Leader McConnell, Democratic Leader Schumer, and Republican Leader McCarthy urging Congress to pass a comprehensive COVID-19 response package with consideration to Title IV-A of the Every Students Succeeds Act (ESSA). Read the full letter here. Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants (Title II-A) in FY21 Sign-On March 11, 2020. A letter to congressional leadership urging them to invest an appropriate amount into the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, with a specific focus on increasing the amount allocated for Title II-A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Title II-A supports state and school district efforts to recruit, prepare, mentor, and provide professional development for their teachers, principals, and other educators. Read the full letter here. 21st Century Community Learning Center Appropriations FY 2021 Sign-On March 5, 2020. A letter to Chairman Blunt and Ranking Member Murray, and Chairwoman DeLauro and Ranking Member Cole, regarding support for increased funding for the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (Title IV Part B of the Every Student Succeeds Act) in FY2021. Read the full letter here. Title IV-A Coalition Sign-on Regarding the Study of District and School Uses of Federal Education Funds Sign-On February 24, 2020. A letter on behalf of the organizations of the Title IV-A Coalition in response to the U.S. Department of Education’s request for comments for Study of District and School Uses of Federal Education Funds, which includes data collection on use of funds for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment grant program under Title IV-A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Read the full letter here. Title IV-A Coalition Response to President’s FY21 Budget February 11, 2020. On behalf of the undersigned members of the Title IV-A Coalition, we offer the following response to the Administration’s FY21 budget. Read the full letter here. Letters for 2019 Title IV-A Coalition Press Statement on FY2020 Budget December 19, 2019. A press statement from the Title IV-A Coalition on the FY2020 Budget’s increase for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) block grant program. Read the full letter here. Support for CAPTA November 12, 2019. A letter signed by over 50 CEOs to Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Leader McConnell, and Leader Schumer urging prioritization of the reauthorization of CAPTA and appropriate funding at the House levels. Read the full letter here. Injury and Violence Prevention Network Sign-on Regarding Appropriations October 16, 2019. A sign-on letter to Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Schumer, Chairman Shelby, and Ranking Member Leahy to request restoring the $5 billion diverted from the FY 2020 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill to fund border security and provide a minimum of $700 million to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC). Read the full letter here. Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2019 Endorsement September 17, 2019. A sign-on endorsement of the Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2019 to protect all students in grades K-12 from bullying and to improve school climate as well as health and education outcomes for all students. Read the full letter here. Letter to the Senate HELP Committee to Recommend SEL for a Violence Prevention Strategy September 4, 2019. A letter to Chairman Alexandar and Ranking Member Murray of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee in response to an open request for suggestions on how to prevent the next mass shooting and to develop safer school environments. Read the full letter here. Letter to Congress Regarding the Treatment of Children at U.S.-Mexico Border August 21, 2019. A letter signed by over 200 organizations committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, in response to the abusive and abhorrent treatment of children at the United States border. Read the full letter here. Dear Colleague Letter to Endorse the Chronic Absenteeism Reduction Act August 2019. An endorsement of Congressman Ryan and Congresswoman Beutler’s Dear Colleague Letter in regard to the Chronic Absenteeism Reduction Act to empower schools and cut back on chronic absenteeism. Read the full letter here. Sign-On Regarding Title IV-A, 302(b) allocation August 6, 2019. A letter to Senators Shelby, Leahy, Blunt, and Murray to urge an increase of the 302(b) allocation for the Labor-Health and Human Services-Education (LHHS-Ed) Subcommittee FY 2020 appropriations bill by at least its proportional share of the additional spending under H.R. 3877. Read the full letter here. Support for Full and Timely Funding for U.S. Census Bureau in FY 2020 Sign-On July 30, 2019. A letter to Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader Schumer, Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader McCarthy on behalf of the Children’s Budget Coalition to urge support of fully and timely funding for the U.S. Census Bureau in FY 2020. Read the full letter here. Sign-On Letter Urging House-Passed Census Funding Exempt from Caps July 30, 2019. A letter to leadership to fund the Census Bureau at the House-passed levels and to use the current negotiations around the budget caps to ensure those dollars are exempt from the caps. Read the full letter here. Support for Bipartisan Congressional What Works Caucus Sign-On July 26, 2019. A letter to Representatives McAdams and Walorski to express strong support of the new bipartisan Congressional What Works Caucus. Read the full letter here. Support the New Bipartisan Congressional What Works Caucus Sign-On July 25, 2019. A letter to Representatives McAdams and Walorski in support of their new bipartisan Congressional What Works Caucus. This new Caucus will help ensure that federal taxpayer dollars are invested as effectively and efficiently as possible to improve outcomes for children, families, and communities nationwide. Support for RISE from Trauma Act Sign-On July 22, 2019. A letter to Senators Durbin, Moore-Capito, Duckworth, Murkowski and Representatives Davis and Gallagher to thank them for introducing the bipartisan RISE from Trauma Act. Read the full letter here. National Child Abuse Coalition Sign-On Letter Regarding CAPTA Funding May 2019. A letter on behalf of the undersigned organizations to request substantial increases in federal funding for the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA)—specifically, $500 million for Title I and $500 million for Title II. Sign-On Letter to House Members: Support Investments in SEL June 11, 2019. Letter to the House of Representatives in support of an unprecedented proposed federal investment in SEL. The letter includes over 100 organizations with representation from at least 18 states signed. This effort is complemented by an action alert that individuals (rather than organizations) can take and is part of Committee for Children’s multifaceted federal advocacy activity. Read the full letter here. FY20 House LHHS-Ed Title IV-A Funding Press Statement April 30, 2019. On behalf of the undersigned members of the Title IV-A Coalition, we offer the following response to the House’s FY 2020 LHHS-Ed appropriations bill, which includes $1.32 billion for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grant program, authorized under Title IV, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Read the full letter here. Public Comment to the U.S. Department of Education April 29, 2019. Public comment to Stephanie Valentine, PRA Clearance Coordinator, U.S. Department of Education on the Middle Grades Longitudinal Study. Read the full letter here. Appropriations Sign-On Letter for the School Leader Recruitment and Support Program April 10, 2019. Letter to Chairman Blunt, Ranking Member Murray, Chairwoman DeLauro, and Ranking Member Cole, on behalf of 76 organizations in support of $14.5 million in funding for the School Leader Recruitment and Support Program. Read the full letter here. NDD Community Sign-On Calling for a Bipartisan Deal to Raise the Caps April 2, 2019. Letter to urge Members of Congress to take immediate steps to negotiate a new budget agreement that averts critical non-defense discretionary cuts and provides funding for new investments that our economy needs. Read the full letter here. FY20 LHHS-Ed Appropriations for CDC Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Research Funding March 22, 2019. Letter to Charis Lowey and Shelby, and Ranking Members Granger and Leahy to request the inclusion of $10 million in new funding for the Division of Violence Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that would include research focused efforts on interventions for child sexual abuse prevention in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill. Read the full letter here. FY20 and FY21 Spending Caps Title IV A Coalition Sign-On Letter February 25, 2019. Letter to Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Republican Leader McConnell, and Leader Shumer to urge passage of legislation that would waive the Budget Control Act’s FY20 and FY21 spending caps and establish new overall spending caps for adequate investments in K-12 education programs. Read the full letter here. Joint Letter on 2014 Discipline Guidance Rescission January 24, 2019. Letter to Secretary DeVos and Acting Attorney General Whitaker to express concern regarding the rescission of the 2014 School Discipline Guidance. Read the full letter here. The Leadership Conference Joint School Discipline Guidance Package Rescission Sign-On Letter January 10, 2019. Letter to Secretary DeVos, Acting Attorney General Whitaker, Assistant Secretary Marcus, and Assistant Attorney General Dreiban to express opposition to the rescission of the January 8, 2014 joint school discipline guidance package, including the “Joint Dear Colleague on the Nondiscriminatory Administration of School Discipline,” and to urge immediately recommitment from the Department of Education and the Department of Justice to vigorous enforcement of our civil rights laws and to a meaningful response to racial discrimination in school discipline. Read the full letter here. Letters for 2018 Thank You Letter Sign-On for Child Trauma Provisions in Opioid Legislation October 18, 2018. Letter to Chairman Alexander, Ranking Member Murray, Senator Heitkamp, and Senator Durbin on behalf of the millions of children and families that the undersigned organizations serve and represent to thank the legislators for their support of the trauma provisions included in the bipartisan Opioid legislation recently signed into law. Read the full letter here. The Children’s Budget Coalition Sign-On Appropriation 302(b) August 10, 2018. Letter to Senators Shelby and Leahy and Representatives Frelinghuysen and Lowey asking to enable continued investment in children by providing the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (Labor-H), Transportation and Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD), Commerce, Justice and Science (CJS), and Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration (Ag-FDA) spending bills with robust and proportionate funding allocations during conference. These spending bills support the overwhelming majority of discretionary programs benefitting children and families. Sign-On Letter to Senate HELP: Reauthorization of CTE Act June 25, 2018. Letter to Chairman Lamar Alexander and Ranking Member Patty Murray of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee, on behalf of 445 sign-on members. The letter addresses swift, bipartisan action on the reauthorization of the Carl. D Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (CTE), because an update to the legislation is crucial to helping our nation’s students acquire the skills needed to be successful in today’s workplace. Read the full letter here. Letter from CFC and CASEL to Rep. Danny Davis June 19, 2018. Letter to Illinois Representative Danny Davis to improve trauma support services and mental health care for youth in educational settings. This new grant program at the US Department of Education would provide five-year grants to states, school districts, and Indian tribes to increase student access to trauma support services and mental health care by linking school systems with clinical providers. Statement on the Title IV-A Coalition June 14, 2018. Statement published on behalf of the undersigned members of the Title IV-A Coalition, offering a response to the House’s FY 2019 LHHS-Ed appropriations bill, which includes $1.2 billion for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grant program. Sign-On Letter to Senate HELP: Career Technical Education Act June 13, 2018. Sign-on letter to Chairman Lamar Alexander and Ranking Member Murray of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee, to reauthorize the CTE Act. Updating this legislation would be crucial to helping our nation’s students acquire the skills needed to be successful in today’s workplace. Letter to LHHS Subcommittee: Funding for Title II FY19 May 3, 2018. Letter to LHHS Subcommittee within the Senate Committee on Appropriations, addressing Chairmen Roy Blunt and Tom Cole as well as Ranking Members Patty Murray and Rosa DeLauro. This letter urges Congress to continue support for funding for Title II FY19. This support would be seen through increasing the investment to its fully authorized level of $2.295 billion. Letter to Senate HELP from CASEL and CFC: Opioid Bill Support April 20, 2018. Letter to Chairman Lamar Alexander and Ranking Member Patty Murray of the Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions, from both Committee for Children as well as the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). This letter addresses the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018, supporting access to evidence-based trauma support services and mental health services to kids who have been affected by substance abuse. Letter to Senate HELP from NCAC: Increasing Program Grants April 11, 2018. Letter to Chairman Lamar Alexander and Ranking Member Patty Murray of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee, on behalf of the National Child Abuse Coalition, which includes CFC. This letter encourages an increase in the authorization level for important grants to $200 million to allow the expansion of programs that meet the needs of more children and families. Letter to Senate HELP from NCAC: Opioid Crisis April 11, 2018. Letter to Chairman Lamar Alexander and Ranking Member Patty Murray of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee concerning the Opioid Crisis Response Act, on behalf of the National Child Abuse Coalition (NCAC). The NCAC expresses support and commends efforts by the Committee in seeking comprehensive and bipartisan solutions in allocating needed resources in combating the crisis that is the opiate epidemic. Read the full letter here. Letter to Betsy DeVos: School Discipline March 22, 2018. Letter to Secretary Betsy DeVos, on behalf of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, expressing support for the January 8, 2014, joint school discipline package while also opposing any changes or rescission. Statement on the Title IV-A Coalition March 21, 2018. Statement published on behalf of the undersigned members of the Title IV-A Coalition, offering the following response to FY18 Omnibus, which includes $1.1 billion for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grant program, authorized under Title IV, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Sign-On Letter: Afterschool Alliance Calling for Funding February 23, 2018. Sign-on letter through the Afterschool Alliance concerning the president’s FY19 budget proposal calling for the elimination of afterschool funding for 1.7 million students. This letter calls for funding of $1.3 billion for 21st CCLC within the FY19 House and Senate spending bills, and for the subcommittees to finish up FY18. Letter to Senate HELP from CASEL: Reauthorization of Higher Education Act February 21, 2018. Letter to Chairman Lamar Alexander and Ranking Member Patty Murray of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee, and to members of the Committee from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). This letter was written with CASEL to strengthen and expand teacher preparation programs that embed training on social-emotional learning, trauma-informed approaches, and non-exclusionary behavior management practices to teacher candidates. Letter to LHHS Subcommittee: Evidence-Based Practices January 26, 2018. Letter to LHHS Subcommittee within the Senate Committee on Appropriations, addressing Chairmen Roy Blunt and Tom Cole as well as Ranking Members Patty Murray and Rosa DeLauro. This letter expresses support for the promotion and use of evidence-based practices in schools through publicly-available, user-friendly tools. Letters for 2017 Statement on Title IV-A Proposed Funding for FY 2018 July 14, 2017. The Title IV-A Coalition states its appreciation of the House Appropriations LHHS-Ed Subcommittee funding level for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program for FY 2018 but would like to see support for the full authorized amount. This statement is signed by over 50 members of the Title IV-A Coalition including Committee for Children. Support Programs That Affect Children’s Health and Well-being June 29, 2017. Letter spearheaded by the Children’s Budget Coalition to Chair Enzi and Ranking Member Sanders of the Senate Committee on Budget and to Chair Black and Ranking Member Yarmuth of the House Committee on Budget, asking them to prioritize federal investment in five priority areas that critically affect children’s health and well-being. The full letter signed by 54 organizations including Committee for Children can be viewed here. Support for Development of SEL Standards and Indicators in Washington State June 23, 2017. Letter to all State legislators encouraging support for a budget proviso continuing the work of the SEL Benchmarks group in developing culturally responsive SEL standards and indicators that will improve student outcomes, enhance school and classroom climate, and address discipline issues. Read the full letter here. Support Title IV, Part A of ESSA at the Fully Authorized Amount June 7, 2017. Title IV-A Coalition spearheaded a letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of both the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Subcommittee of Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies to request full funding for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program. The program received 25 percent of its authorized level in FY 2017, which already has constricted school districts and states in their ability to properly and productively allocate funds. Signed by Title IV-A Coalition members, including 65 national organizations (with Committee for Children) and 80 state organizations. Read the letter here. Support Title IV, Part A of ESSA at the Fully Authorized Amount June 7, 2017. The Title IV-A Coalition spearheaded a letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of both the House Appropriations Committee and the House Subcommittee of Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies to request full funding for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grant program. The fiscal year 2017 allocation of $400 million is inadequate and forces school districts to choose between competing programs, such as music, technology, and SEL, thereby limiting student achievement opportunities. Signed by Title IV-A Coalition members, including 65 national organizations (with Committee for Children) and 80 state organizations. Read the letter here. “Dear Colleague” Letter to Support Title IV, Part A at the Appropriated Level for FY 2018 May 25, 2017. Committee for Children joined with other organizations to encourage their members of Congress to sign on to a letter to Chairman Roy Blunt and Ranking Member Patty Murray of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, asking the subcommittee to fully fund Title IV, Part A (the Student Support and Academic Enrichment [SSAE] program) of the Every Student Succeeds Act at its authorized level of $1.6 billion. The SSAE program will enable state and local school districts to provide a number of important services to students, including school-based mental health programs, drug and violence prevention programs, physical education programs, social-emotional learning, AP, accelerated learning, and courses in art, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington joined 29 other senators in signing the letter. Support Title IV, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) May 23, 2017. Committee for Children and members of the Title IV-A Coalition speak out against President Trump’s FY 2018 budget that eliminates funding for the Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program within ESSA. The letter calls upon Congress to support students and fund the SSAE program to the full $1.6 billion originally authorized. President Trump’s plan to eliminate this crucial program affects 90 percent of students and educators who attend public schools in the United States. This letter was signed by 52 members of the Title IV-A Coalition, including Committee for Children. Read the entire letter here. Reauthorization of Career and Technical Education (CTE) May 16, 2017. The reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 will continue to ensure that relevant career skills are taught, creating a competent and socially and emotionally prepared work force. Committee for Children was among organizations and industry leaders that signed a letter to Chairwoman Foxx and Ranking Member Scott from the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and Chairman Alexander and Ranking Member Murray of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions, urging them to reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 that protects CTE programs across the United States and produces employees ready for the 21st century economy. The letter lists several policies that could be used to expand the current law. This letter was signed by 280 organizations from across the United States including Committee for Children. Read the full letter here. Retain the Preschool Suspension and Expulsion Question in the 2017 National Survey of Children’s Health May 11, 2017. Letter sent on behalf of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition, to Dominic Mancini, Acting Administrator, Office of Management and Budget, requesting that a critical question on removal from child care or preschool due to behavior issues not be taken out of the National Survey of Children’s Health. The information collected helps to ensure that “early childhood settings are developmentally appropriate and nondiscriminatory.” The letter was signed by the coalition membership (more than 200 national organizations that promote and protect civil and human rights) and 148 national, state, and local organizations, including Committee for Children. Retain the Question on Preschool Suspension and Expulsion in the 2017 National Survey of Children’s Health May 11, 2017. Letter sent by Committee for Children to Dominic Mancini, Acting Administrator, Office of Management and Budget; John H. Thompson, Director, US Census Bureau; and Jennifer Jessup, Department of Commerce, requesting that the question on “removal from child care or preschool due to behavior issues” not be removed from the National Survey of Children’s Health. Read the letter here. Support, Not Eliminate, Funding for Professional Development May 10, 2017. Spearheaded by the Title II Coalition, a letter was sent to Chairman Blunt and Ranking Member Murray of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies and Chairman Cole and Ranking Member DeLauro of the House Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies urging them to fund Title II, Part A of the Every Student Succeeds Act at its current level of $2.295 billion. In his FY 2018 budget, President Trump had proposed elimination of Title II funds for professional development. Committee for Children joined 140 organizations in signing this letter.