Californians for School Facilities

Current News and Updates

CSF Federal Update: President's FY 2024 Budget, ESSER, & Inflation Reduction Act

March 15, 2023

The President’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 budget was released March 9th.

Proposed FY 2024 Education Funding

Under the President’s FY 2024 budget the Department of Education (ED) receives $90 billion in discretionary funding – a $10.8 billion (13.6%) increase over the 2023 net enacted level.

The Education Department total includes:

$20.5 billion for Title I – a $2.2 billion increase above the FY 2023 enacted level.
$18.2 billion for Special Education, $16.3 billion for IDEA – a $2.7 billion increase.
$500 million for a Preschool Initiative for LEA competitive grants.
$1.47 billion Career and Technical Education (CTE) – a $ 43 million increase.
$200 million for Career Connected High School Initiative.
$3 billion for educator preparation, development, and leadership.
$305 million increase for English Language Acquisition.
$100 million for a grant to foster diverse schools and increases for educator training programs.
$500 increase in the maximum Pell Grant.
$500 million for new grants providing two years of community college for certain students.
$439 million increase for institutional development at HCBUs and minority-serving institutions.

The President’s proposed FY 2024 budget could be the high-water mark for discretionary funding levels. As they prepare a House FY 2024 Budget Resolution and FY 2024 Appropriations bills, House Republicans will be calling for cuts to discretionary spending. The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committees, controlled by Democrats, will be more receptive to the Presidents proposed FY 2024 budget. The Budget debate will play out over the coming weeks and months against the backdrop of the need to raise the federal debt ceiling, something done many times in previous Administrations.

118th Congress: School Infrastructure, ESSER, and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

The 118th Congress now has a Democratic Senate. The 9-vote House Republican majority elected Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). The retitled House Education and Workforce Committee has a new Republican majority and is chaired by Rep. Virginia Fox (R-NC). Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) becomes Ranking Member. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) will chair the Senate HELP Committee.

CSF and CASH thank Chairman Scott (D-VA), Representative Norcross (D-NJ), Senator Reed (D-RI) and the 117th Congress co-sponsors of the Rebuild America’s Schools Act (H.R. 604 and S. 96), to provide $100 billion in grants and $30 billion in bonds.

CSF and CASH look forward to working with President Biden and Congress to reintroduce and advance the Rebuild America’s Schools Act and provisions to provide federal investments through grants and bonds to modernize safe, healthy, energy and technologically efficient schools to advance student achievement and success.

CSF Visited Washington, D.C. in March 2023

A CSF team went to Capitol Hill, March 1-3, to carry this message during meetings with staff of Rebuild America’s Schools Act sponsors, key Congressional Committees, and California members of Congress. The CSF team discussed the Rebuild America’s Schools Act reintroduction, the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) funding support and clarifications, and stressed the importance of federal investments to assist local California school districts to modernize safe, healthy, energy and technologically efficient schools to advance student achievement and success.

The CSF team also had a positive meeting with the Solar Energy Industries Association to discuss school district eligibility to use Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Production Tax Credit and Investment Tax Credits and direct pay provisions to finance school clean energy projects.

Review of the American Rescue Plan and ESSER

The 117th Congress passed the American Rescue Plan providing funds for school openings, support for individuals, unemployment insurance, vaccine and testing to combat the pandemic, and aid to state, municipal and county governments and school districts for local budgets, programs and services to avoid layoffs.

American Rescue Plan K–12 Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) Funding was allocated to each state and district based on Title I funding. States are required to sub-grant at least 87.5% of their funding to school districts (including charter schools considered school districts).

California Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) are receiving $13,561,996,091 (billion) in the American Rescue Plan’s ESSER funding.

ESSER Funds may be used to develop strategies and implement public health protocols in line with CDC guidance on reopening and operating schools to effectively maintain the health and safety of students, educators and other staff.

Importance of Documenting LEA Use of ESSER Funds: At least 20% of funds must be used for learning loss through evidence-based interventions responding to students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. Remaining funds can be used for any allowable use under the ESEA, IDEA, Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, and the McKinney Vento Act.

ESSER Fund Purposes: School districts may use ESSER funds to effectively repair and improve school facilities addressing the safety and health needs of students, staff and communities documenting the appropriate use of funds to reflect ESSER purposes.

Department of Education December 2022 Use of Funds FAQ: Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief [ESSER] Programs and Governor’s Emergency Education Relief [GEER] Programs.

Construction is authorized under Title VII of the ESEA (Impact Aid) and therefore is an allowable use of GEER and ESSER funds under sections 18002(c)(3) and 18003(d)(1) of the CARES Act, sections 312(c)(3) and 313(d)(1) of the CRRSA Act, and section 2001(e)(2) of the ARP Act.

The broad Impact Aid definition of “construction” includes new construction as well as remodeling, alterations, renovations, and repairs under which many activities related to COVID-19 would likely fall. However, the Department strongly discourages LEAs from using ESSER or GEER funds for new construction because this use of funds may limit an LEAs ability to support other essential needs or initiatives. Extensive remodeling, renovation, and new construction are often time-consuming, which may not be workable under the shorter timelines associated with ESSER and GEER funds. These types of activities are also subject to a number of additional Federal requirements.

Under these general principles, construction activities, including renovations or remodeling, that are necessary for an LEA to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 could be permissible, though the burden remains on grantees and sub-grantees to maintain the appropriate documentation that supports the expenditure.

ESSER Permissible Construction: Construction activities, including renovations or remodeling, that are necessary for an LEA to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 can be permissible. It is important to maintain and document ESSER funds use to effectively repair and improve school facilities addressing the safety and health needs of students, staff and communities documenting the appropriate use of funds to reflect ESSER purposes.

Review of The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)

The IRA provides clean energy incentives. The IRA provides non-taxable entities investing in and producing clean energy with a direct payment option in lieu of tax credits. Local governments such as school districts, can use these tax credits. Applicable for tax years starting after December 31, 2022 and ending before January 1, 2033. A project that is under construction now could potentially qualify.

The Production Tax Credit (PTC) provides a tax credit for the first ten years of a project based on the amount of renewable energy produced in each year and sold to an unrelated person.

The Investment Tax Credits (ITC) are one-time tax credits based on a percentage of the qualifying costs of a project. Tax exempt entities, including state and local governments and school districts, can use the direct pay option under tax credits for both the production of and investment in clean energy. Examples: solar installations listed as eligible under the ITC and PTC could be options for direct pay tax incentives. Combining a solar PV array with electric vehicle charging stations could make a project eligible for more tax credits.

Direct Pay: Under the IRA, direct pay applies to states, cities and local municipalities, tribes, and other tax-exempt entities, such as municipal water or power utilities and school districts. Direct pay is an option for funding clean energy projects that will make projects more affordable for local governments and level the playing field between local governments and the private sector, which has traditionally benefited from tax credits.

Prevailing Wage: To claim the full direct pay amount, projects must meet the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. The U.S. Department of the Treasury released guidance on these key labor provisions under the IRA.

Higher Credit: Projects with sufficient domestic content, projects in “energy communities,” such as brownfield properties, high unemployment or closed mines or coal plants, projects in low-income communities, and rooftop solar projects. Opportunities can provide a 10-30% increase in the value of the direct payment depending on the criteria.

School districts, as tax exempt entities, can take advantage of the direct pay option under tax credits for both the production of and investment in clean energy.

CSF and CASH encourage school districts to review these federal programs. If appropriate, use ESSER or other programs for eligible uses to repair and improve school facilities addressing the safety and health needs of students, staff and communities documenting the appropriate use of funds.

More information about the Inflation Reduction Act Production Tax Credit, Investment Tax Credit and direct pay options will be available from the U.S. Treasury Department.

Bob Canavan
CSF Federal Legislative Advocate

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CSF Washington, D.C. Lobbying Trip Recap, Rebuild America's Schools Act and ESSER Update

March 7, 2023

CSF will not be hosting our normal monthly webinar next week due to the group meeting in-person at the CASH Annual Conference at the end of February.

In lieu of a webinar this month, we will be sending out two separate updates during March.
- The first (below) regarding the very successful CSF trip to Washington, D.C. last week.
- The second update will cover any school facility issues that are included in President Biden’s budget proposal that is expected to be released on March 9th. We expect to have that update out to everyone by March 17th.

CSF Washington, D.C. Lobbying Trip - March 1-3, 2023

We had a very productive lobbying trip, highlighting the following topics:
- The Rebuild America’s Schools Act.
- Issues related to federal funding for schools in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
- Issues regarding the Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Act and ESSER (I, II and III) funds.

CSF members had meetings with staff from the offices of California Representatives Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Katie Porter (CA-47), Mike Thompson (CA-4), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Linda Sanchez (CA-38) and Robert Garcia (CA-42). We also met with the staff from the House Education and Workforce Committee (minority) for Ranking Member Scott, principal House sponsor of the Rebuild America’s Schools Act.

On the Senate side, we met with staff from Senator Feinstein’s office and Senator Jack Reed’s office. Senator Reed (RI) had been the chief Senate sponsor of the Rebuild America’s Schools Act in the last session of Congress.

Finally, we had an excellent meeting with staff from the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) regarding school participation in the energy programs created by the IRA. The SEIA meeting focused on ensuring that schools would have access to the IRA programs, information about when regulations could be available from the U.S. Department of Treasury about how to apply for the IRA funds, ensuring that schools would be eligible for the IRA tax credit direct pay provisions, and working with SEIA to present on webinars for CSF and CASH members regarding the pending Treasury regulations for application and use.

Rebuild America's Schools Act

The Rebuild America’s Schools Act has not yet been re-introduced in this session of Congress; however, we expect that it will be introduced soon. Staff representing both the House of Representatives sponsor, Representative Bobby Scott, and the Senate sponsor, Senator Reed, indicated that there will be reintroduction, although the time has not yet been set. This Act would provide $30 billion for school tax credit bond authorization during the next 10 years and $100 billion for direct school facility grants during the same 10-year period. CSF supports this legislation and urged the offices we met with to also support the Act once it is introduced.

Elemetary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief Act

The ESSER problems we discussed with the congressional offices were: (1) the need to extend the deadlines for encumbrance because of the problems with the supply chains, (2) clarification that encumbrance includes a signed contract, even if product delivery will be later than the deadline, also because of supply chain problems and (3) the ability to appeal, modify, or have forgiveness of audit issues that might occur because of unexpected use of federal funds in projects that were anticipated to be solely state and or/local funding.

We thank Bob Canavan and Kellen Flannery for arranging these successful meetings, helping us with the appropriate talking points, and shepherding us through the Capitol Hill hallways.

Stay tuned for next week’s update on President Biden’s proposed fiscal year 2024 federal budget.

David Walrath
CSF Coordinator

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CSF Update: Elections, Lame Duck Session, Continuing Resolution, Education Funding, Inflation Reduction Act Renewal Energy Projects

November 16, 2022

Election Outcomes
The November election outcomes are pointing to Democrats retaining Senate control, with 50 seats and a tie breaking vote from the Vice President if necessary, and the possibility of an outright 51 seat Senate majority if Senator Warnock retains his Georgia seat in a December run-off. The House, which pollsters forecasted to shift to Republican control, is still too close to call. Republicans could take a narrow majority of less of than 3-5 seats or Democrats may unexpectedly retain a 1 or 2 seat majority. Close California House elections may decide the House majority. The election will shape the issues the lame duck Congress session considers. The House and Senate are now in Washington for the post-election lame duck session to close out the 117th Congress.

Continuing Resolution
Congress passed a short term ten-week Continuing Resolution (PL 117-180) funding government agencies, including Education, at FY 2022 levels through December 16.

Education Funding
The House Appropriations Committee approved a FY 2023 Labor, HHS and Education bill providing increased education funding with major increases for IDEA and Title I. The Senate Labor, HHS and Education Committee drafted a Labor, HHS, and Education bill increasing IDEA and Title I and other education programs at levels lower than the House.

Lame Duck Session Funding
Completing the FY 2023 Appropriations bills will be a prime lame duck session priority. The House passed a number of the FY 2023 Appropriations bills, and the Senate Appropriations Committee prepared drafts of the 12 Appropriations bills.

Omnibus Appropriations
Congressional leaders hope to pass an omnibus spending package for the current fiscal year before the December holidays. The current Continuing Resolution (CR) funding (PL 117-180) expires December 16, which would lead to a partial government shutdown unless an omnibus or another CR is passed. Senior Appropriations leaders are retiring and want to complete FY 2023 funding in this Congress.

Other major issues that might be pending in the lame duck session include hurricane, disaster, COVID, and Ukraine military assistance. An omnibus Appropriations bill could carry funding for these programs. Leadership could also try for bipartisan support to include a debt limit increase or suspension in an omnibus package.

Senate Finance and the House Ways and Means Committees may seek tax, child tax credit and retirement provisions. If Senate and House leaders can find the votes in both Chambers to pass an Omnibus package, these issues also might be folded into the Omnibus package to close out the lame duck session and the 117th Congress.

Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credits, Direct Payments for Renewable Energy and other Qualifying Projects
As reported earlier, Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) with opportunities for renewable energy qualifying projects to improve and modernize more energy efficient schools. The IRA includes direct pay tax credits for renewable energy and other qualifying projects which are available to states and political subdivisions (cities, counties, school districts and other local governmental agencies).

Tax exempt entities such as cities, counties and school districts are eligible but may not be able to use the tax credits for the renewable energy projects directly. Tax exempt entities including states and political sub-divisions such as cities, counties and school districts ARE eligible for a direct payment in lieu of tax credits under the IRA for qualifying renewable energy projects.

The IRA’s Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Production Tax Credit (PTC) will provide developers or contractors partial tax exemption either annually or as some function of the energy they produce. Local school districts may be able to use IRA tax credits or apply for direct pay when financing bonds for renewable energy or other qualifying projects improving and modernizing school facilities and operations.

The Treasury Department is managing the tax related provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act and will be developing guidance for how the IRA programs will be implemented.

CSF will be tracking Treasury’s clarification of how tax-exempt entities such as states, cities, counties, and schools undertaking qualified renewable energy projects can use the IRA tax credit, direct pay mechanisms for renewable energy projects to improve and modernize public buildings such as school facilities and operations.

CSF and CASH continue to work for federal investments supporting the building, renovating, modernizing of healthy, safe, energy and technologically efficient California schools and classrooms.

Bob Canavan
CSF Federal Legislative Advocate

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CSF Update: Continuing Resolution; Lame Duck, Education Funding, Inflation Control Act Renewal Energy Projects

October 12, 2022

Congress is in recess through the November election, returning for a lame duck session.

Congressional Recess

Congress passed a short term ten-week Continuing Resolution funding government agencies, including Education, at FY 2022 levels through December 16. Congress then adjourned, leaving D.C. for an October recess. The House and Senate will be back for a post-election lame duck session for members to close this Congress. Election outcomes deciding which party has the majority of the House and of the Senate in the next Congress will affect the issues Congress actually takes up in the lame duck session.

Lame Duck Session Education Funding

Finishing the FY 2023 Appropriations bills should be a lead December lame duck session agenda item.

The House passed a number of the FY 2023 Appropriations bills, and the Senate Appropriations Committee prepared drafts of the 12 Appropriations bills.

Education Funding

The House Appropriations Committee approved a FY 2023 Labor, HHS and Education bill, providing increased education funding with major increases for IDEA and Title I. The Senate Labor, HHS and Education Committee drafted a Labor, HHS, and Education bill increasing IDEA and Title I and other education programs at levels lower than the House.

Appropriations leaders from both sides of the aisle are optimistic about prospects for a December Omnibus Appropriations bill agreement to finish the FY 2023 funding bills. But that optimistic note might change after the November election.

Other major issues that might be pending in the lame duck session include hurricane, disaster, COVID, and military assistance. The Senate Finance and the House Ways and Means Committees could be considering tax, child tax credit and retirement issues. All of these issues might be folded into an end of session Omnibus package IF the votes can be assembled by House and Senate leadership. That possibility is uncertain.

Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credits, Direct Payments for Renewable Energy and other Qualifying Projects

This fall before adjourning, Congress did pass the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which includes opportunities for renewable energy qualifying projects to improve and modernize more energy efficient schools. The IRA includes direct pay tax credits for renewable energy and other qualifying projects which are available to states and political subdivisions (cities, counties, school districts and other local governmental agencies.)

The Treasury Department will be managing the tax related provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act and will be developing guidance for how the IRA programs will be implemented.

CSF and CASH continue to work for federal investments supporting the building, renovating, modernizing of healthy, safe, energy and technologically efficient California schools and classrooms.

Bob Canavan
CSF Federal Legislative Advocate

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CSF Update: Continuing Resolution; Inflation Reduction Act; Renewable Energy Tax Credits; Direct Payments

September 14, 2022

Congress is back for a post Labor Day September session and the October 1 beginning of Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. FY 2022 ends in two and a half weeks and Congress needs to vote on legislation to keep the government running after September 30. Since FY 2023 appropriations bills are not complete, Congressional leaders have been planning a FY 2023 Continuing Resolution (CR) to extend funding basically at FY 2022 levels for the short term, possibly until December 16. Unrelated policy and funding items are delaying immediate action. The two major issues are whether to include environmental permitting legislation that Senator Manchin was promised a vote on when he supported the Inflation Reduction Act, and whether to include billions of Administration requested emergency funding aid for COVID relief, Ukraine, and environmental disasters.

The House Majority Leader said the House might vote on a CR this week. If not, the Senate may try to pass a CR first, possibly with Senator Manchin’s environmental permitting provisions or with a broader proposal supported by Republicans. If the Senate can act on the CR next week it will go to the House, where some progressives may object to the Manchin provisions or alternative provisions. There is some talk of a government shutdown, but leaders do not want to enter the campaign season facing a partial government shutdown even if vital services remain open.

Passing a CR through mid-December will be a major priority. A short-term CR will set the stage for a post-election December lame duck session in which Congress will hope to complete FY 2023 appropriations bills, including the FY 2023 Labor, HHS and Education bill which includes IDEA and Title I increases and possibly other legislation. The Education and Labor Committee has approved school nutrition legislation and the Rebuild America’s Schools Act.

Inflation Reduction Act Tax Credits, Direct Payments for Renewable Energy and Other Qualifying Projects
As Congress begins to work on the Continuing Resolution and other possible legislation, the White House held a major event this week to highlight the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act. Below is some preliminary information about the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which may include opportunities for renewable energy qualifying projects to improve and modernize more energy efficient schools and operations.

The IRA includes direct pay tax credits for renewable energy and other qualifying projects which are available to states and political subdivisions (cities, counties, school districts and other local governmental agencies). Tax exempt entities, such as cities, counties and school districts, are eligible but may not be able to use the tax credits for the renewable energy projects directly. Tax exempt entities including states and political sub-divisions such as cities, counties and school districts ARE eligible for a direct payment in lieu of tax credits under the IRA for qualifying renewable energy projects. The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Production Tax Credit (PTC) will provide developers or contractors partial tax exemption either annually or on some function of the energy they produce.

CSF will be working with the Treasury Department, which will be managing the tax related provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act for clarification of how tax-exempt entities such as states, cities, counties, and schools undertaking qualified renewable energy projects can use the tax credit, direct pay mechanisms for renewable energy projects and operations for public buildings and schools.

Center for American Progress School Facility Report: Federal Investments in K-12 Infrastructure Would Benefit Students Across the Country
The report estimates that the national need for K-12 capital infrastructure investments falls short by an estimated $85 billion annually and could cost an estimated $1.1 trillion to modernize and repair obsolete school buildings over the next decade. The report examines how school infrastructure impacts student academic success and physical health. It reinforces a basic message that without long-term federal investments in K-12 infrastructure school conditions and student health, safety and ability to learn and succeed will decline. Thanks to the Center for American Progress for the timely report. Click here to view the full report.

CSF and CASH continue to work for federal investments supporting the building, renovating, modernizing of healthy, safe, energy and technologically efficient California schools and classrooms.

Bob Canavan
CSF Federal Legislative Advocate

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CSF Update: House Education & Labor Committee Improves Rebuild America's Schools Act of 2022

May 18, 2022

The House Education and Labor Committee again has started the process for robust federal participation in school facility funding. After thanking Chair Scott and the California members of the Education and Labor Committee, CSF will be engaging with Speaker Pelosi and the California members of the House Ways and Means Committee to rapidly pass this legislation. - Dave Walrath, CSF Coordinator

Good news! Chairman Scott and the House Education and Labor Committee favorably reported H.R. 604 (The Rebuild America’s Schools Act of 2022) as amended by the Committee today, on a 27-6 vote.

The amended Rebuild America’s Schools bill provides $100 billion for school construction grants, re-establishes tax credit bonds, and adds $30 billion over 3 fiscal years for School Infrastructure Bonds.

The Rebuild America’s Schools Act also includes the authorization of the Office of School Infrastructure and Sustainability and Information Clearinghouse. Another title temporarily increases the Impact Aid Construction program under ESEA by $170 million for FY 2023 through FY 2027.

Click here to view the amended bill.

Our thanks to Chairman Scott (D-VA), Congressman Norcross (D-NJ), the Education and Labor Committee and Committee staff.

Bob Canavan
CSF Federal Legislative Advocate

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CSF Update: House Markup of the Rebuild America's Schools Act (RASA) - Wednesday at 10:15 am

May 16, 2022

The House Education and Labor Committee has posted a notice of the Rebuild America's School Act (RASA) mark-up on Wednesday, May 18 at 10:15 a.m.

Click here to view the notice.

Progress on moving federal school facilities funding forward is now being pushed in the House. This is good news because it is a step to help increase funding in the next reconciliation act or subsequent omnibus appropriations bill.

Stay tuned for more updates. Thank you for your continued support of CSF.

David Walrath
CSF Coordinator

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CSF Update: President Biden Releases 2023 Federal Fiscal Year Budget Proposal

March 29, 2022

On March 1, President Biden released his proposed 2023 Federal Fiscal Year Budget. CSF will be holding our next webinar on April 12 at 10 am, where we will discuss the President’s budget proposals for school facilities, regular operational programs, and if available, energy programs.

The President’s proposal includes, for the first time, funding for a national clearinghouse on school infrastructure and sustainability. CSF has advocated that such a clearinghouse is necessary in order to provide the type of data needed to justify the federal participation in school facility funding. We, along with coalition partners, appreciate and support this proposal and we will advocate for its adoption by Congress.

For the United States Department of Education, the budget proposes significant increases in numerous programs.

For California specifically, some of the most important proposals are:

Significant increase, almost double, for student mental health support services.
- Funding for an additional 800 new community schools.
A $20 billion increase in Title 1 funding.
A $3.3 billion increase for Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) programs.
$278 million for dual language learner services.

The CSF April webinar will provide more details and, if available, more information on additional programs that are proposed for increased funding.

Thank you for your continued support of CSF.

David Walrath
CSF Coordinator

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CSF Update: Omnibus Appropriations; FY 2022 Education Appropriations

March 11, 2022

The Senate passed the Omnibus Appropriations Bill, H.R. 2471, Thursday night on a vote of 68-31. The bill completes FY 2022 funding for federal agencies including ED and includes $13.6 billion in new aid for Ukraine. It passed the Senate and House with bipartisan support and will now go the White House for the President’s signature.

Below is an updated report with more program details. While education funding has increased, it is lower than proposed by the Administration and House and Senate Committees.

House Passes Omnibus Appropriations Bill and Short-Term Continuing Resolution; COVID-19 AID Package Delayed Over State and Local Aid Rescissions
The House on Wednesday did pass the Fiscal Year 2022 Omnibus spending package and a four-day stopgap measure, extending current funding levels through March 15, to ensure there were no lapses in appropriations while the Senate worked to pass the Omnibus Bill and send it to President Biden.

Omnibus Appropriations Bill, H.R 2471
On Wednesday night, Democratic leaders had to send the Omnibus Bill back to the Rules Committee to strip and move $15.6 billion for immediate COVID-19 needs funding to a standalone bill (H.R. 7007), which is being delayed until next week. The COVID Aid Bill excludes a $7 billion rescission of state and local aid funds that was objected to in the Omnibus Bill by some Democrats. Nearly half of the H.R. 7007 COVID-19 emergency spending bill is now without offsets.

(HJ Res. 75) Continuing Resolution
The House passed another Continuing Resolution (CR) extending stopgap funding from March 11 to March 15 by voice vote. The four-day stopgap CR is the fourth Congress has passed for the fiscal year that began October 1. It is needed because of the time it will take for the House to enroll the massive bill and for the Senate to consider it.

Omnibus Labor, HHS, Education, FY 2022 Funding – Additional Update

Education Funding
The Department of Education receives $76.4 billion. ED funding receives $14.6 billion, effective 7.5% increase over FY 2021. This includes a $2.9 billion increase over current discretionary program funding.

The final package is lower than President Biden’s proposed 40% increase for the Education Department in his FY 2022 budget and lower that the 30% increase provided in the original House Labor, HHS, ED bill. The President had requested a $29.6 billion spending increase for Education, to $102.8 billion, with most of the proposed increase going to Title I Grants to schools with high populations of children in poverty and to IDEA. The House-passed spending bill had matched that increase, but Senate levels were lower.

FY 2022 Education Program Funding Levels for Key Programs

Title I Grants: $17.5 billion, a $1 billion increase from the enacted level.
IDEA Programs: $14.5 billion, $448 million increase from current funding, well below the $2 billion increase in original House FY 2022 Labor, HHS, ED bill.
School Improvement Programs: $5.95 billion, a $100 million increase from current funding.
Career and Technical Ed: $1.387 billion
Adult Education: $704 million
Innovation and Improvement: $1.3 billion
Impact Aid: $1.557 billion
Indian Education: $189 million
Vocational Rehab: $144 million

COVID-19 Aid: H.R. 7007
The COVID-19 Aid Bill, without the state and local aid rescissions, is expected to return to the House Floor for consideration next week.

FY 2023 Budget
The President’s FY 2023 proposed budget for all federal agencies, including Education, is expected to be released this month.

CSF and CASH continue to work for federal investments supporting the building, renovating, modernizing of healthy, safe, energy and technologically efficient California schools and classrooms.

Bob Canavan
CSF Federal Legislative Advocate

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CSF Update: Build Back Better Act (H.R. 5376); Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (H.R. 3684); Continuing Resolution, Debt Ceiling, FY 2022 Ed Funding

December 10, 2021

There is a lot of pending action in Washington, D.C. this month. Congress is back in session with major items on the agenda.

Review of House-Passed Build Back Better Act
After many weeks, the White House and the House set the framework for a revised Build Back Better Act including universal pre-kindergarten, childcare, child tax credits, elder care, child nutrition and other provisions. After extended negotiations, the House Rules Committee revised and reduced the Build Back Better Act and the House moved the legislation forward.

House Vote on Build Back Better Act
The House finally voted to pass the Build Back Better Act, by a vote of 220-213. Major provisions include universal preschool, child tax credits, healthy school meals and other nutrition provisions, investments in Pell Grants and HBCUs and Minority-Serving Institutions, housing affordability, expanded senior healthcare access and prescription drugs, climate and energy provisions, and tax reform. The revised and reduced Build Back Better Act does not include original House infrastructure grant provisions investing $82 billion in our nations and California’s public school infrastructure through Rebuild America’s School grants to repair, modernize and build the nation’s schools and classrooms.

Senate Action
The House-passed Build Back Better Act is now in the Senate, where it will be revised again. CSF has contacted Senate and Committee leadership expressing support for the Build Back Better Act, requesting funding for universal preschool public school facilities to serve preschool students, teachers, staff and communities, and continuing CSF’s support for federal investment in school infrastructure grants and bonds in the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act.

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684)
As CSF has reported, the President signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, H.R. 3684, which passed the House buy a vote of 228 to 206.

Infrastructure bill school related provisions include:

$65 billion for broadband investment to help families access the internet and afford devices.
$5 billion for clean-energy school buses.
$500 million over 5 years for competitive grants to schools and non-profits for energy efficiency improvements.
$200 million over 5 years to remove lead contamination in school drinking water, as part of a much bigger drinking water program.
Reauthorization and extension for three years (2021, 2022, and 2023) of the Secure Rural Schools and Community
Self-Determination Act, which helps fund schools in 700 counties that have federal forest land in more than 40 states.

Continuing Resolution – February 18
Congress has extended Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 government funding by passing another Continuing Resolution (CR) to continue funding for most programs at their FY 2021 levels. House leadership negotiated to vote the mid-February date. The Continuing Resolution, H.R, 6119, passed the House on a 221-212 vote and the CR cleared the Senate on a 69-28 vote. The CR will fund federal agencies through February 18, providing 11 more weeks to try to resolve partisan disputes over funding levels and policy riders that have stalled progress on FY 2022 appropriations.

Continuing Resolution School, Library Broadband Funds Continued
A provision in the CR extends an exemption from Anti-deficiency Act rules for the Federal Communications Commission's Universal Service Fund to continue to provide broadband funds to schools, libraries, hospitals and rural areas.

Education FY 2022 Funding
The House passed President Biden’s request for a $29.8 billion (41%) increase for Department of Education programs and sizable increases for Head Start, childcare, and other education-related programs. The Senate Education, Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations bill proposed a 35% increase in education. It is important for states, local school districts and students that the House and Congress hold the commitment to the $29.8 billion (41%) proposed increase in funding for Education in the House FY 2022 Labor, HHS and Education Appropriations bill, especially funding for programs such as IDEA (plus $2.9 billion) and Title I.

Debt Ceiling Limit
Congress must also extend or suspend the federal debt ceiling. Estimates are that the current debt limit will be reached by mid-December. Congress must act on the debt ceiling so the federal government can meet its obligations. The House is expected this week to consider and pass a Joint Resolution to raise the debt ceiling, which will open the door for the Senate to act procedurally to vote and raise the debt ceiling on a party line vote relying, if necessary, on the 50 plus the Vice President Democrat majority.

CSF will continue to work with this Congress and the Administration for federal investment in school infrastructure grants and bonds to modernize schools and classrooms as provided in the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act ensuring the health and safety of students and staff, advancing student success, and generating local jobs in California and every state.

Bob Canavan
CSF Federal Legislative Advocate

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CSF Update: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Build Back Better Act, School Infrastructure

November 10, 2021

Following up on up on the CSF update from November 8, below is additional information about the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act.

House Passes Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684)
The House voted 228 to 206 to pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684). House Democrats were joined by 13 Republican members who voted “yes” to approve the bill; five Democrats voted “no.”

Below are school related provisions from the infrastructure bill:

A total of $65 billion for broadband investment to help families access the internet and afford devices.
$5 billion for clean-energy school buses.
$500 million over 5 years for competitive grants to schools and non-profits for energy efficiency improvements.
$200 million over 5 years to remove lead contamination in school drinking water, as part of a much bigger drinking water program.
Reauthorizes ,and extends until 2023, the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act which helps fund schools in 700 counties that have federal forest land, including 39 counties in California.

California and local education agencies will be able receive funding under these programs.

The Infrastructure and Jobs Act has been forwarded to the White House for the President’s signature.

Build Back Better Act
Over the last weeks, the White House and the House announced a framework for a revised Build Back Better Act which includes universal pre-kindergarten, childcare, child tax credits, elder care and other provisions. After negotiations, the House Rules Committee revised and reduced the Build Back Better Act to move the legislation forward – continuing child tax credits, investments in healthy school meals and other nutrition provisions, Pell Grants and HBCUs and Minority-Serving Institutions, housing affordability, climate and energy provisions.

School Infrastructure
The revised and reduced Build Back Better Act does not include the original House Infrastructure grant provisions investing $82 billion in our nation’s public school infrastructure through Rebuild America’s School grants to repair, modernize and build our nation’s schools and classrooms. Many Ways and Means Committee provisions are also not included, including infrastructure and Build America Bonds.

Last week the House approved a rule to proceed on the revised Build Back Better Act. House leadership say the House will vote the week of November 15 on the revised and reduced Build Back Better Act. If approved by the House, the Build Back Better Act would then move to the Senate for approval and then to the President for signature.

CSF continues to work with this Congress, the House and Senate Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act sponsors, and the Administration for federal investment in school infrastructure grants and bonds addressing California’s and the national need to modernize safe, healthy, technologically, energy efficient schools and classrooms for students and staff and communities, advancing student success, and generating local jobs.

As said in the Nov. 8 CSF update, this is not the end of efforts to provide federal support for school facilities. CSF has a good platform and Congressional sponsors for going forward. CSF will use that platform and our message that there are acute local needs to provide California’s students modern, healthy and safe schools and classrooms to build more support and keep up the pressure.

Thank you for your continued support of Californians for School Facilities and the Coalition for Adequate School Housing.

Bob Canavan
CSF Federal Legislative Advocate

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CSF School Infrastructure Update: School Facilities Out of Build Back Better Infrastructure Package

November 8, 2021

With your help we got close to having school modernization included in the President's Infrastructure Package. However, the politics of the final agreement did not get us over the finish line.

The article below from U.S. News was written while emotions still were strong after all school facilities funding was deleted from the Build Back Better proposal.

This is not the end of the efforts to provide federal support for school facilities. It might be the close of the first chapter, but not the book. We have a good platform and Congressional champions for going forward. We will use that platform to keep up the pressure.

This year was two steps forward and one step back. We will start stepping forward again next year.

Thank you for your continued support of Californians for School Facilities.

David Walrath
CSF Coordinator

U.S. News: Democrats Quietly Nix Biden’s $100B for School Modernization From Infrastructure Package

By Lauren Camera | Nov. 5, 2021, at 3:40 p.m.

In a major blow that left educators, school leaders and advocates stunned, Democrats pared back – and then eliminated – $100 billion that Joe Biden earmarked for school modernization in his spending bill.

"The 2021 State of Our School report – the most recent analysis of the country's public school facilities – found that the U.S. is underinvesting in school buildings and grounds by $85 billion each year, up an inflation-adjusted $25 billion a year since 2016.

And unlike highways, roads and bridges, which have most of their capital costs paid by federal and state sources, local school districts bear the heaviest responsibilities for school construction costs. Local districts paid 77% percent of the costs for capital projects from 2009 to 2019 – though the share is highly variable by state, with 11 states paying nothing and eight covering more than 50% of district costs.

The federal government contributes just 1%, or $7 billion, to school infrastructure costs, almost all of which goes toward rebuilding in the wake of natural disasters."

Click here to view the full article from U.S. News

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CSF Federal Update: BASIC Coalition National School Facility Funding Update & Federal Action on Build Back Better Act

September 8, 2021

Californians for School Facilities is a member of the BASIC Coalition that was co-developed by Mary Filardo and 21st Century Schools. We thank Mary for sending this very helpful data from the BASIC Coalition, regarding under-funding of school facilities.

David Walrath
CSF Coordinator

State of Our Schools 2021 Overview

State of Our Schools Partner Toolkit

The 2021 State of Our Schools Report from the 21st Century School Fund, the International WELL Building Institute and the National Council on School Facilities compiles and analyzes the best available school district data regarding U.S. PK–12 public school facilities funding. In addition to drawing attention to the disparity across the U.S. in funding levels, it finds that the U.S. is underinvesting in school buildings and grounds by $85 billion each year. Click here to view/download the full report.

These findings bring to light the proper financial support required for all children, in every district, to attend healthy and safe schools that provide the best learning environments and most resilient facilities.

Federal Action on Build Back Better Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 8, 2021
Contact: Democratic Press Office

THURSDAY AT NOON: Committee to Mark Up Build Back Better Act

WASHINGTON – Thursday, September 9, at 12:05 p.m. EST, the House Committee on Education and Labor will mark up its portion of the Build Back Better Act, which invests $761 billion to lower the cost of child care and education, help Americans secure good-paying jobs, and increase support for our nation’s children.

“The Education and Labor Committee’s portion of the Build Back Better Act makes historic investments that will lower costs for nearly every family, create good-paying jobs for American workers, and provide our nation’s children the strong foundation they deserve,” said Chairman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott. “I look forward to bringing this transformative proposal one step closer to President Biden’s desk.”

For a fact sheet on the Committee’s portion of the Build Back Better Act, click here.
For text of the Committee’s print of the Build Back Better Act, click here.

WHEN:
• Thursday, September 9, 2021, at 12:05 p.m. EST
• Friday, September 10, 2021, at 12:05 p.m. EST (if necessary)

WHERE: This is a fully remote markup. It will be livestreamed at www.youtube.com/EdLaborDemocrats.

###

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CSF Update: Committee on Education & Labor on Twitter: School Infrastructure Investment

August 25, 2021

On August 23, the House Committee on Education & Labor tweeted: "Even before the pandemic, chronic neglect of America’s public schools forced students and educators to learn and work in outdated and hazardous school buildings."

Click here to watch Chairman Bobby Scott (VA-3) explain why Congress must deliver a bold investment in school infrastructure.

This statement shows the progress that is being made for federal school infrastructure funding. It is still not very bipartisan, but is progress.

David Walrath
CSF Coordinator

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CSF Update: Senators Feinstein, Padilla Support School Infrastructure Funding

August 16, 2021

On August 5, California Senators Feinstein and Padilla sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer in support of funding for school modernization and construction projects to be included the infrastructure package. The press release from Senator Feinstein’s office is included below.

CSF thanks Senator Feinstein and Senator Padilla for their support of school facilities. We also thank the CSF members who contacted Senator Feinstein’s office asking for the Senator’s support

View the Feinstein/Padilla School Infrastructure Letter

David Walrath
CSF Coordinator

For Immediate Release

August 5, 2021
Contacts: Justin Kramer (Feinstein)
Tess Whittlesey (Padilla)

Feinstein, Padilla to Schumer: Infrastructure Package Must Include Funding for Schools

Washington—Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla (both D-Calif.) today called on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to include robust funding for school modernization and construction projects.

“As you craft legislation that scales up the federal investment in our nation’s infrastructure, we urge you to include strong and robust funding that will help states and school districts maintain, upgrade, and build new school facilities,” the senators wrote in a letter to Schumer.

They continued: “For every $1 billion invested in school construction, nearly 18,000 jobs are created. Such an investment would be a historic step toward improving our nation’s schools and promoting access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success in school and beyond.”

View this press release online.

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CSF Federal Update: School Infrastructure & Budget Reconciliation

August 9, 2021

Californians for School Facilities and many others are working for the Senate FY 2022 Budget Resolution to include Committee Reconciliation instructions and funding allocations for the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act $130 billion in grants and bonds modernizing safe, healthy, energy efficient classrooms advancing student achievement, success and creating local jobs.

Reed Norcross Bicameral Leadership Letter
CSF and others contacted House and Senate members to cosign the Reed-Norcross letter to Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Schumer to include Committee instructions and funding allocations for the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act $130 billion for grant and bonds in the Budget Resolution and Reconciliation instructions.

CSF thanks Senator Reed and Congressman Norcross for initiating the Leadership School Infrastructure letters and thanks all Senators and House cosigners, including California Senator Padilla and California House Members Brownley, Napolitano, Lieu, Vargas, DeSaulnier, Levin, Garamendi, Harder, Barragan, Swalwell, and Sanchez.

Infrastructure
The Senate is expected to finish the bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, providing $550 billion in new spending over five years, this week. Senators finalized the legislative text and are considering the bipartisan compromise as a substitute amendment to the House-passed transportation bill as the Infrastructure Legislative Bill (H.R. 3684). On Saturday, the Senate voted 67-27 to limit debate and to move to final consideration.

Energy Grants
Sec. 4054 of the Infrastructure Bill does fund school energy grants:
• $500 million for a five-year period. Grants for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy improvements at public school facilities.
• Competitive grants to make energy efficient renewable energy and alternative fuel vehicle upgrades and improvements at public schools.
• This section authorizes $500 million for period of FY 22-26.

Secure Rural Schools
The Infrastructure Bill also includes 3 years, FY 21-22-23, authorization and funding for the Secure Rural Schools Program, which provides funding for many California counties and school districts in forest areas and communities.

Budget Resolution, Reconciliation
As the Senate completes work on its Infrastructure Bill this week, it also plans to take up the FY 2022 Budget Resolution to lay the groundwork for a $3.5 trillion reconciliation package, financing other pieces of President Biden's domestic agenda. Senate Leader Schumer still wants to complete the Infrastructure and the Budget Resolution before the August recess.

It is critical that school infrastructure be included in the Budget and Reconciliation package with the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act $130 million grants and bonds modernizing safe and healthy, energy efficient classrooms advancing student achievement, success and creating local jobs.

Thanks to all who support the work to modernize, and rebuild California schools.

Bob Canavan
CSF Federal Legislative Advocate

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CSF Federal Update: School Infrastructure

June 25, 2021

Californians for School Facilities continues to work for the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act providing grants and bonds to build, renovate and modernize California’s schools and classrooms, protecting the health and safety of California’s students and staff and advancing student achievement and success.

Infrastructure Negotiations
Senate and White House discussions are currently focusing on a Senate bipartisan agreement providing $579 million for roads, bridges, highways, public transportation, rail, ports, airports, and broadband. It does not include American Jobs Plan school, day care, and community college infrastructure. The tentative plan does have funding for electrification of school buses, removal of lead pipes in schools, and for broadband.

Senate and House Reconciliation
Discussions are set to move on two tracks, with the Senate to take up the tentative Senate bipartisan infrastructure bill first, and with the many remaining American Jobs Plan provisions, possibly including school infrastructure, to be added into a Reconciliation Bill. House Speaker Pelosi said the House will not vote on the infrastructure bill until the Senate passes a Reconciliation Bill, which still must be drafted.

White House
The President made a statement that he will not sign an infrastructure bill until a Reconciliation Bill with American Job Plan components is also passed.

Timing
It likely will take July and part of August for the Senate to write and pass a Reconciliation Bill. If that happens, the House is likely to take up Reconciliation in September. All of this is still unfolding with many moving pieces.

CSF will work for the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act and the American Job Plan school infrastructure provisions, working with House and Senate leadership and with House and Senate Committees such as Education and Labor, Ways and Means, HELP, and Finance as the next Reconciliation Bill develops.

CSF continues to urge California members of Congress to cosponsor and support the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act (HR 604, S.96) and to include school infrastructure in Reconciliation.

Bob Canavan
CSF Federal Legislative Advocate

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CSF Federal Update: COVID-19 Aid, School Infrastructure, Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools

March 31, 2021

Congress approved H.R. 1319, the $1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan with COVID-19 Aid (P.L. 117-2). The Department of Education is implementing the Plan’s $170.1 billion for Education Department education programs, with $169.8 billion for education emergency relief.

K-12 Education: $128.6 billion

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) provides funding under similar terms as the CARES Act and the December COVID-19 aid bill, Elementary and Secondary Education Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), with approximately 90% of the funding going to local educational agencies (LEAs).

California LEAs are expected to receive an estimated $12 billion in additional aid in the ESSER funding.

School Facility Allowable Purposes

P.L. 117-2 allowable purposes include:

School facility repairs to reduce risk of virus transmission and support student health;
Implementing public health protocols and policies in line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for school reopening;
As well as “any allowable use under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act; and Adult Education and Family Literacy Act.”

Also Note: COVID Education Funding purposes under H.R. 133 (P.L. 116-260)

Funds to be used to support multiple purposes including teaching, supplies, services, cleaning, and school facility repairs necessary to support student health as an allowable use.

Specific legislative language:

(13) School facility repairs and improvements to enable operation of schools to reduce risk of virus transmission and exposure to environmental health hazards, and to support student health needs.

(14) Inspection, testing, maintenance, repair, replacement, and upgrade projects to improve the indoor air quality in school facilities, including mechanical and non-mechanical heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, filtering, purification and other air cleaning, fans, control systems, and window and door repair and replacement.

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2021 Infrastructure Report Card – School Facilities rated D+

The 2021 ASCE Infrastructure Report Card noted there are approximately 84,000 public schools with nearly 100,000 buildings in the U.S. with a projected enrollment of 56.8 million students by 2026.

Schools D+ Overview:

“School facilities represent the second largest sector of public infrastructure spending, after highways, and yet there is no comprehensive national data source on K-12 public school infrastructure. Available data indicates that 53% of public school districts need to update or replace multiple building systems, including HVAC systems. More than one-third of public schools have portable buildings due to capacity constraints, with 45% of these portable buildings in poor or fair condition. Meanwhile, as a share of the economy, state capital funding for schools was down 31% in fiscal year 2017 compared to 2008. That is the equivalent of a $20 billion cut. The best estimates indicate a minimum of $38 billion annual funding gap for public school facilities across the country. The Report notes that public schools often serve a secondary function as emergency shelters and community resource facilities during man-made or natural disasters, and facility upgrades are needed to effectively fulfill this important community purpose.”

California School Facilities Rated C

The 2021 ASCE Infrastructure Report Card noted there are 1,026 school districts in California and over 10,000 public elementary and secondary schools serving more than 6,220,000 students statewide. Most of California’s K-12 school facilities are in fair-to-good condition thanks to upgrades to structures, roofing systems, fire alarms, ADA access, electrical, HVAC and technology. Looking ahead, there is a lack in adequate funding for future routine and major maintenance issues.”

Overall, COVID-19 school closures, redesigns, renovations, modifications and greater awareness of school air quality, health, and safety needs highlight the essential daily, community and emergency and function of schools and school facilities.

“Build Back Better” School Infrastructure

Speaker Pelosi spoke about, and supports, school infrastructure. President Biden is expected to unveil new details about his infrastructure plan to inject trillions of dollars into the nation’s infrastructure – including an effort to upgrade or replace crumbling school buildings. The President said during his press conference last week that schools would be a focus of his infrastructure push.

President Biden's “Build Back Better” effort will begin with an infrastructure and climate change package followed by an education, child care and paid leave measure aimed at reducing economic disparities.

The infrastructure package could include hundreds of billions of dollars for roads, bridges, water systems and rail and also includes $400 billion to combat climate change, including $60 billion for "green transit" and $46 billion for climate-related research and development. Another $200 billion would be used for housing infrastructure, including $100 billion to expand the supply for low-income residents. We also expect the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act’s $100 billion for school infrastructure grants and $30 billion to finance school facility bonds to be included.

Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA), Chair of the House Education and Labor Committee, said he expects schools will be part of the infrastructure bill: “Usually it’s just roads and bridges, but we have a commitment that education – school construction – will be part of it.”

White House and Education Department

CSF and Washington groups will work with the White House and Education Department on the importance of school infrastructure and the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act’s grants and bonds.

Education and Labor Committee: Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act (H.R. 604 / S. 96)

The Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act invests $100 billion in grants and $30 billion in bond authority targeted at high-poverty schools with facilities that pose health and safety risks to students and staff. This would create over 2 million jobs based on an Economic Policy Institute analysis that each $1 billion spent on construction creates 17,785 jobs. CSF is getting ready for a House Education and Labor Committee mark-up of the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act next month.

CSF is working to build co-sponsors for the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act; currently there are 154 for H.R. 604 and 28 for S. 96. Our objective is to increase the co-sponsors, making sure Education and Labor Committee members are on board, as the Committee gets ready to mark-up. CSF is contacting California House members and Senators Feinstein and Padilla to co-sponsor the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act H.R. 604, and S.96.

Impact Aid Infrastructure ActRepresentatives Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ) and Don Young (R-AK) introduced the Impact Aid Infrastructure Act, H.R. 1886, in the House. The Senate companion bill (S. 945) is led by Senator Hirono (D-HI). The bill would provide a one-time infusion of funds ($1 billion) into the Impact Aid Construction Program to address the significant backlog of school construction needs at federally impacted school districts, those that receive Impact Aid as a tax replacement because of the presence of nontaxable federal properties, including Native American reservations and military installations.

Energy and Commerce Committee: Broadband

House Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats have introduced H.R. 1848, the Leading Infrastructure for Tomorrow's America Act or the LIFT America Act, which invests a total of $312 billion in clean and efficient energy, safe drinking water, expanded access to broadband, Brownfield cleanups, and improving our nation’s health care infrastructure. The bill expands broadband access providing $80 billion to provide broadband service to reach 100% connectivity everywhere in the United States, including rural and tribal areas. The bill also authorizes $9.3 billion to help families in rural and urban areas afford Internet service through assistance programs monitored by the Federal Communications Commission. H.R. 1848, an authorization bill, would require separate appropriations. Energy and Commerce Republicans in a Committee hearing said authorizing $80 billion in broadband infrastructure would waste money while failing to close the digital divide between those with internet access and those without. Democrats hope to include the legislation as part of the broader infrastructure package.

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

The Committee held a hearing on “The Administration’s Priorities for Transportation Infrastructure” on Thursday, March 25, 2021. Committee Chair DeFazio said, “Secretary Buttigieg’s appearance before the Committee couldn’t come at a more consequential time. Right now, our Committee is working on the details of transformational surface transportation reauthorization legislation that I intend to move through our Committee later this spring as part of the broader infrastructure push.” The President’s Build Back Better Recovery Plan, infrastructure and the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act (with 154 House co-sponsors) will be a major focus this spring and summer.

Here is current list of California cosponsors to H.R. 604, the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act. Senators Feinstein and Padilla are still pending as co-sponsors of S. 96.

Rep. Aguilar, Pete [D-CA-31]
Rep. Barragan, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]
Rep. Bass, Karen [D-CA-37]
Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]
Rep. Cardenas, Tony [D-CA-29]
Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-27]
Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-11]
Rep. Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-18]
Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-3]
Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34]
Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]
Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-53]
Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]
Rep. Lee, Barbara [D-CA-13]

Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49]
Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-33]
Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-19]
Rep. McNerney, Jerry [D-CA-9]
Rep. Napolitano, Grace F. [D-CA-32]
Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-20]
Rep. Porter, Katie [D-CA-45]
Rep. Roybal-Allard, Lucille [D-CA-40]
Rep. Sanchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38]
Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-30]
Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-15]
Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-41]
Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-5]
Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-51]

We look forward to working with CSF and CASH to advance federal support and investment in California’s school infrastructure.

Bob Canavan
CSF Federal Legislative Advocate

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CSF Update: CNBC Article - Build America Bonds may be key to financing Biden's infrastructure plans

March 26, 2021

CNBC published the following article today. It is another indication that the Biden administration is serious about infrastructure.

David Walrath
CSF Coordinator

Build America Bonds may be key to financing Biden’s infrastructure plans
Published March 26, 2021 | By Thomas Franck

“Republicans and Democrats agree that the U.S. is in dire need of a major infrastructure overhaul, and at the very least, that Congress should authorize significant repairs to roads and bridges.

The fierce disagreement between the two parties begins over which provisions are worthy of running the federal deficit higher, as well as over how to finance such a massive undertaking.

And while Wall Street worries about potential increases to corporate and individual income tax rates, Democrats may soon turn to an Obama-era tool to finance their infrastructure plans: Build America Bonds…”

Click here to view the full article on the CNBC website.

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CSF Update: Senate Passes Budget Reconciliation American Rescue Plan, Bill to House for Final Passage; More Aid for California Schools, Infrastructure Next

March 8, 2021

Senate Approves H.R. 1319 – $1.9 Trillion Reconciliation Bill with COVID-19 Aid for Schools, States, Municipalities and Counties; Sends Bill to House for Final Passage

Here is an update on additional federal aid to support California schools. The Senate passed the American Rescue Plan’s COVID-19 Aid in the Budget Reconciliation Bill (H.R. 1319) 50-49. The bill now goes back to the House for a vote on the Senate changes. Congress is closer to completing work on the Reconciliation Bill carrying additional federal COVID-19 aid to support reopening schools and classrooms safely for students, staff and families.

Education Funding
The bill appropriates $170.1 billion for ED Department education programs with $169.8 billion for education emergency relief.

K-12 Education $128.6 Billion
The bill provides funding under same terms as the CARES Act and the December COVID-19 Aid Bill, Elementary and Secondary Education Emergency Relief Fund, with approximately 90% of the funding going to local educational agencies (LEAs). California LEAs could receive at least a conservatively estimated $10 billion in additional aid in Elementary and Secondary Education Emergency Relief funding.

Funding for Education
• $125.8 billion for K-12 state education agencies
• $40 billion for institutions of higher education
• $2.75 billion to governors for private schools with high poverty enrollment (Senate add)

Distribution of K-12 Funding (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund)
The amount of funding allocated to each state and district will be based on the relative amount of Title I funding the state or district receives. States are required to sub grant at least 87.5% of their funding to school districts (including charter schools that are considered school districts).

State Set-Asides
• States required to set-aside funds for the following purposes:
• 5% to address learning loss
• 1% for evidence-based, comprehensive after-school programs
• 1% for evidence-based summer enrichment
• 2.5% for educational technology

Local Educational Agency Use of Funds
At least 20% of funds must be used to address learning loss through evidence-based interventions that respond to students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. The remaining funds can be used for any allowable use under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, and Adult Education and Family Literacy Act.

Purposes funds can also be used for include:
• Coordinating with public health departments.
• Conducting activities to address the needs of students from low-income families, children with disabilities, English learners, racial and ethnic minorities, students experiencing homelessness, and foster care youth.
• Purchasing educational technology (including hardware, software, and connectivity as well as assistive technology or adaptive equipment).
• Summer learning, and supplemental after-school programs.
• Mental health services.
• Addressing learning loss.
• School facility repairs to reduce risk of virus transmission and support student health.
• Implementing public health protocols, policies in line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and prevention for school reopening.
• Implementing activities to maintain the operation and continuity of services and to employ existing staff.

Maintenance of Effort, Maintaining State Funding
To receive funding, states must provide at least as much funding for K-12 and higher education in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 as a proportion of the state’s overall spending (averaged over fiscal years 2017, 2018 and 2019). However, the Secretary of Education can waive this requirement. In addition, states and districts must comply with new Maintenance of Equity requirements that prevent state and local funding cuts from disproportionately impacting high poverty districts and schools.

Education Aid
The additional COVID-19 aid for California schools is needed to help reopen schools safely for students, staff and communities.

Energy and Commerce Committee Reconciliation
Broadband, distance learning, drinking wastewater services: Chapter 2 appropriates $7.7 billion for distance learning, primarily to reimburse schools and libraries for the costs of telecommunications equipment and services, and consumer product safety.
• $7.2 billion provided to the e-rate program for home internet access and connected devices.
• $0.5 billion to assist low-income households with drinking water and wastewater services.

Agriculture Committee Reconciliation
Nutrition, SEC. 1011. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) - Continues the 15% increase in SNAP benefits through September 30, 2021. Provides additional administrative funds to states to administer the program as caseloads are expected to remain higher than normal due to the economy.

Final Congressional Reconciliation Action
Senate approval of the Reconciliation bill, House approval of the Reconciliation bill. Sending the American Rescue Plan’s COVID-19 Aid to the White House for the President’s signature will be the final step for Congress and the Biden Administration. The American Rescue Plan will provide additional aid to fund the reopening of schools, support for individuals and unemployment insurance, vaccine and testing to combat the pandemic, and $350 billion in aid to state, municipal and county governments to support local budgets, programs and services to avoid layoffs.

Build Back Better – Next STEP Economic Recovery, Infrastructure
As a follow-up to the American Rescue Plan the Biden Administration announced a second Administration initiative, the "Build Back Better” Recovery Plan, to invest in infrastructure and other economic recovery steps to follow Congressional action on Budget Reconciliation and the American Rescue Plan. Californians for School Facilities and others are working to include school infrastructure and the Reopen and Rebuild America's Schools Act in the economic recovery initiative.

The Build Back Better Recovery Plan, Infrastructure and the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act with 162 House cosponsors will be a major focus this spring and summer.

Here is current list of California cosponsors to H.R. 604 – The Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act.

Rep. Aguilar, Pete [D-CA-31]
Rep. Barragan, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44]
Rep. Bass, Karen [D-CA-37]
Rep. Brownley, Julia [D-CA-26]
Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]
Rep. Cardenas, Tony [D-CA-29]
Rep. Chu, Judy [D-CA-27]
Rep. DeSaulnier, Mark [D-CA-11]
Rep. Eshoo, Anna G. [D-CA-18]
Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-3]
Rep. Gomez, Jimmy [D-CA-34]
Rep. Huffman, Jared [D-CA-2]
Rep. Jacobs, Sara [D-CA-53]
Rep. Khanna, Ro [D-CA-17]
Rep. Lee, Barbara [D-CA-13]

Rep. Levin, Mike [D-CA-49]
Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-33]
Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-19]
Rep. McNerney, Jerry [D-CA-9]
Rep. Napolitano, Grace F. [D-CA-32]
Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-20]
Rep. Porter, Katie [D-CA-45]
Rep. Roybal-Allard, Lucille [D-CA-40]
Rep. Sanchez, Linda T. [D-CA-38]
Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-30]
Rep. Swalwell, Eric [D-CA-15]
Rep. Takano, Mark [D-CA-41]
Rep. Thompson, Mike [D-CA-5]
Rep. Vargas, Juan [D-CA-51]

Stay healthy and safe.

-Bob Canavan, CSF Federal Legislative Advocate

Thank you to all who support the work of CSF and CASH members to build, renovate, repair and modernize California’s schools to advance student achievement and success.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

CSF Update: Announcement from the FCC Regarding Rules for Emergency Broadband Service Home Internet Program

March 5, 2021

Emergency Broadband Service for Households with Children who Receive Free or Reduced-Price Lunch
The FCC has established rules for a $3.2 billion Emergency Broadband Benefit Program – the largest federal program ever to help low-income households access affordable internet. The program, funded in last December’s coronavirus relief package, will provide $50 monthly discounts on broadband service for eligible households, plus a one-time $100 discount on a computer or tablet purchase. Households living on tribal lands will be eligible for $75 monthly discounts on their internet bills.

The program is expected to be up and running in sixty days and will be open to several groups, including households with children who receive free or reduced-price lunch and Pell Grants. As the FCC’s Acting Chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel explained, the new program will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, including “those lingering outside the library with a laptop just to get a wireless signal for remote learning.”

-Bob Canavan, CSF Federal Legislative Advocate

Thank you to all who support the work of CSF and CASH members to build, renovate, repair and modernize California’s schools to advance student achievement and success.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

CSF Update: Budget Reconciliation; American Rescue Plan; Build Back Better Recovery Plan; Reopen and Rebuild America's Schools Act

February 16, 2021

Budget Resolution, Reconciliation

The House and Senate passed FY 2021 Budget Resolutions setting the stage for House and Senate authorizing Committee Reconciliation bills as the legislative vehicle for the Biden Administration's American Rescue Plan. The Reconciliation bill with the American Rescue Plan COVID-19 Aid to reopen schools starts in the House, followed by the Senate. Final action is expected later this month or early March. House Committees such as Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means have completed their sections of the House Reconciliation bill. The House Oversight and Reform Committee marks-up its section on Friday, February 12.

The Education and Labor Committee Reconciliation bill provides $170 billion for education-related programs, including $128.6 billion for K-12 education and also provides funding for child nutrition programs, some social services programs, and raises the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025. Below is information from the Education and Labor Committee and other Committee sections related to education and education services.

House Education and Labor Reconciliation Mark-Up

Chair Scott's statement as the Committee bill was released: "This legislation ensures K-12 schools will have the resources to bring students and educators back into classrooms safely. It invests $130 billion to help schools comply with CDC guidelines for safely reopening schools, including repairing ventilation systems, reducing class sizes so that students can be spread out and implementing social distancing guidelines, purchasing personal protective equipment, and hiring staff to care for students' health and well-being. School districts will also be required to set aside 20 percent of the funding they receive to address lost time in the classroom."

The Education and Labor Committee Reconciliation bill reflects the Biden American Rescue Plan, with some differences. The Committee Reconciliation bill, in addition to the education-related programs, provides funding for child nutrition programs, some social services programs, and raises the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2025.

Key education provisions include:

$170 billion in education funding for COVID relief – The Committee bill has $169.8 billion for education emergency relief funds; different than the CARES bill and COVID aid package enacted in December, there is no separate fund for governors to administer.
$128.6 billion for K-12 education – The bill provides the funding under the same terms as previously for the Elementary and Secondary Education Emergency Relief Fund, with 90% of the funding going to local educational agencies (LEAs). LEAs must reserve at least 20% of the funding to address learning loss, and State Education Agencies must reserve at least 5% of their share for the same purpose. The funding is available through Sept. 30, 2022 (the end of fiscal year 2022). The President's plan requested $130 billion for elementary and secondary education. The COVID Aid bill enacted in December provided $54.3 billion for public K-12 education and another $2.75 billion for the governors' fund for private schools.
$39.6 billion for higher education – The bill provides 99% of the funding ($39.2 billion) for public and private non-profit institutions of higher education, which must use at least 50% of their funding on emergency financial aid grants to students. The remaining 1% ($396 million) is for for-profit institutions, which must use all of the funding for financial aid grants to students. Of the total, 7.4% is reserved for HBCUs, Minority-Servicing Institutions, Tribal Colleges and Universities.
$850 million each for outlying areas and Bureau of Indian Education.
Maintenance of Effort – Contains similar maintenance of efforts requirements that the Secretary of Education can waive for states "for the purposes of relieving fiscal burdens incurred by State in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the coronavirus" although it includes new language to protect spending in high-poverty LEAs.

Other education-related funding in the bill:

$200 million for Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Child Care – Directly appropriates $39 billion for child care programs run by the Department of Health and Human Services.
$15.0 billion for Child Care and Development Block Grant available thru Sept. 30, 2021 (one year less than education stabilization funding).
$23.975 billion for child care stabilization funding for providers.
$35 million for administration costs.

$1 billion for Head Start that is available thru Sept. 30, 2022. The Biden American Rescue Plan did not include Head Start funding.
$1 billion for Corporation for National and Community Service; includes $852 million available thru Sept. 30, 2024 - $620 million for AmeriCorps.

Energy and Commerce Committee Reconciliation

Among many other provisions the Committee report establishes a $7.6 billion Emergency Connectivity Fund. The proposal would provide $7.6 billion to establish an Emergency Connectivity Fund and require the Federal Communications Commission to issue rulemaking to support internet use at home for students and teachers and provide needed equipment. The Committee also approved $4.5 billion for a low-income energy program, funding for EPA grants and money for drinking water and wastewater expenses.

House Oversight and Reform Committee Reconciliation

The Committee will take up its Reconciliation section on Friday Feb. 12 and is expected to provide $350 billion to help states, localities and tribal governments replenish lost revenue from the COVID-19 pandemic. States, along with the District of Columbia, would get about $195 billion, distributed mostly on the basis of each state's share of unemployed workers. Local governments would get about $130 billion, split evenly between cities and counties. Tribal governments would receive $20 billion and U.S. territories would receive $4.5 billion.

The Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce, Oversight and Reform Committees Reconciliation reports will be combined with the reports from other Committees such as Ways and Means, Transportation and others into the combined House Reconciliation bill. The House should vote on the bill within the next two weeks. Senate Committees will then use a similar process including the Senate HELP Committee mark-up of the Education section. The Senate will assemble Committee sections into a Reconciliation bill for approval. The House and Senate Reconciliation bills will then be combined into a final Reconciliation package which needs to be adopted by both the House and the Senate. Hopefully that can be assembled, considered and completed by early to mid-March.

There is considerable Committee and Leadership work to be completed over the next weeks to finish the $1.9 trillion Reconciliation bill to finally enact the American Rescue COVID-19 Aid Plan.

Next STEP Economic Recovery Infrastructure

A second Administration initiative, the "Build Back Better” Recovery Plan to invest in infrastructure and other economic recovery steps, will follow Congressional action on Budget Reconciliation and the American Rescue Plan. Rebuild America's Schools and others are working to include school infrastructure in the economic recovery initiative starting with the introduction of the Reopen and Rebuild America's Schools Act.

Reopen and Rebuild America's Schools Act

On January 28, House Education and Labor Committee Chair Scott (D-VA) with House colleagues and Senators Reed (D-RI) and Brown (D-OH) with Senate colleagues introduced the Reopen and Rebuild America's Schools Act.

The Reopen and Rebuild America's Schools Act:

Invests $100 billion in grants and $30 billion in bond authority targeted at high-poverty schools with facilities that pose health and safety risks to students and staff;
Creates over 2 million jobs based on an Economic Policy Institute analysis that each $1 billion spent on construction creates 17,785 jobs;
Allocates 2021 program dollars on an emergency basis to aid in safely reopening public schools in line with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) public health guidelines-such as for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems;
Requires state to develop comprehensive state-wide public databases on the condition of public-school facilities; most states do not track school facility conditions and would provide much-needed insight into the condition of our public schools; and
Expands access to high-speed broadband to ensure that public schools have the reliable and high-speed Internet access needed for digital learning.

The Reopen and Rebuild America's Schools Act (H.R. 604) was introduced in the House with 145 co-sponsors and in the Senate (S. 96) with 25 co-sponsors.

CSF leadership and members are contacting California members of the House delegation and Senator Padilla to co-sponsor the Reopen and Rebuild America's Schools Act. Investing in school infrastructure will address critical national, state and local needs illustrated by these points

A June 2020 report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) on the state of school infrastructure-the agency's first report on the subject since 1996-found that 54% of school districts across the country must replace or update major systems in more than half their buildings.
The GAO report estimated that 4 in 10 districts need to update or replace heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in at least half of their school buildings, which it projects to affect 36,000 school buildings nationwide.
In its guidance to school districts, CDC advises that ensuring "ventilation systems operate properly" is a key consideration for schools seeking to reopen amid the COVID-19 pandemic and health experts agree that improving air quality should be part of a layered approach against COVID-19 in school reopening.

Californians for School Facilities asks that we all join in working with the 117th Congress and the Biden Administration on the American Rescue Plan and the Build Back Better Recovery Plan. Let’s pass the American Rescue Plan. Let's also continue building support to invest in infrastructure including the Reopen and Rebuild America's Schools Act to help states and local communities' repair, build, renovate and modernize America's healthy and safe school infrastructure. Funding modern, healthy and safe schools will generate economic activity in every state creating more than 100,000 new construction jobs while advancing student achievement.

California Members to Request Co-sponsorship of H.R. 604:

Ami Bera
J. Luis Correa*
Jim Costa*
Josh Harder*
Sara Jacobs (new)
Alan Lowenthal *
Scott Peters
Raul Ruiz*
Adam Schiff*
Jackie Speier*
Eric Swalwell*
Norma Torres
Senator Padill

*Asterisk indicates the representative co-sponsored in the last Congress.

Bold indicates the representative is a member of the House Education and Labor Committee.

-Bob Canavan, CSF Federal Legislative Advocate

Thank you to all who support the work of CSF and CASH members to build, renovate, repair and modernize California’s schools to advance student achievement and success.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

CSF Update: Matsui Leads Effort to Update School HVAC Systems

February 10, 2021

"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Inspired by California’s recently enacted AB-841 legislation, which redirects funds to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades in schools and wildfire impacted communities, and seeking to address Sacramento’s high levels of smog and air pollution, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA), along with 31 colleagues, sent a letter to the Biden Administration to support the creation of a program for HVAC system maintenance and energy efficiency upgrades in our nation’s schools..." Click here to view the full press release from Matsui's office.

View the Letter to President Biden

CSF thanks Representative Matsui for her support of the Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act (H.R. 604) and indoor air quality.

-David Walrath, CSF Coordinator

Thank you to all who support the work of CSF and CASH members to build, renovate, repair and modernize California’s schools to advance student achievement and success.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

CSF Update: Federal Action Related to School Facilities

January 29, 2021

There is significant action occurring in Washington, D.C. on issues related to school facilities. This update will focus on three issues that are expected to be acted on during the first six months of this year:

1. The new $1.9 trillion stimulus proposal
2. The new $100 billion Rebuild and Reopen America’s Schools Act
3. The expected $2.0 trillion infrastructure proposal

New Stimulus Proposal
President Biden has proposed a $1.9 trillion stimulus package that includes $130 billion for kindergarten through university education. Of this amount, $70 billion would be for K-12 education. Assuming the current ratio of allocation between the total national amount and the amount for California, CSF believes California would receive up to $8.5 billion dollars for K-12 education. While there is not specific language currently available, we believe that the allowed expenditures will be similar to the December stimulus, mainly concentrating on reopening schools and potentially including funding for increased instructional services.

CSF federal lobbyist Bob Canavan, who works in Washington, D.C., has indicated that this proposal should be enacted by late February or early March. Now is the time for school districts to start thinking about how they will integrate these potential additional revenues into the expenditure plans that they are developing for the use of the CARES Act funds and the December stimulus.

CSF will be advocating for these funds with the California congressional delegation and the appropriate congressional committees.

Rebuild and Reopen America’s Schools
House Education and Labor Committee Chair Scott has introduced the $100 billion Rebuild and Reopen America’s Schools Act. This bill is essentially the same as last year’s Rebuild America’s Schools Act that was incorporated into the comprehensive infrastructure package passed by the House of Representatives last year.

CSF supported last year’s legislation and currently is working to increase the number of congressional supporters for the new legislation. The new legislation includes $70 billion for grants to schools in $30 billion in tax credit bonds to reduce the cost of school financing of school facilities. Additionally, the proposal includes important modifications to the Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) program that is continued in the legislation.
CSF will be working to help pass this legislation and ensure that schools are included in any comprehensive infrastructure package.

New Infrastructure Package
President Biden is expected to propose an up to $2 trillion infrastructure package after the stimulus proposal is enacted. CSF expects that this package will include significant funding to assist school districts in repairing, renovating, and building new school facilities. This was part of the then-candidate Biden’s infrastructure proposals. CSF will work with the California congressional delegation and the appropriate congressional committees to help pass this legislation, which we expect to include up to $100 billion for school facilities.

Other Facility Issues
CSF expects that the Biden Administration will be proposing a number of education initiatives in early childhood education, as well as expansion of access to healthcare counseling and other services on school campuses. If these initiatives are proposed, CSF will be advocating to include financial support for the needed facility adjustments to implement these types of programs. These were part of candidate Biden’s education proposals, however, there is no specific timeline on when these types of initiatives might be proposed.

-David Walrath, CSF Coordinator

Thank you to all who support the work of CSF and CASH members to build, renovate, repair and modernize California’s schools to advance student achievement and success.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

CSF Federal Update: COVID ED Funding, 117th Congress, School Infrastructure

January 11, 2021

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2021 and to the 117th Congress.

117th Congress
Education funding and elementary and secondary education policy issues will be on the table as the Biden-Harris Administration assumes office and prepares a policy and legislative agenda including greater funding for the reopening of schools. President-elect Biden has indicated he hopes to begin his Administration’s first 100 days by safely reopening schools, if states and cities enact strong public health measures and Congress provides funds to support the effort particularly in K-8 schools. Economic stimulus, including infrastructure, will be an early priority of the Biden Administration.

A smaller House Democratic majority re-elected Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and a larger Republican minority re-elected Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as the 117th Congress convened and members were sworn in. The two Georgia Senate run-off elections will determine whether Senator McConnell will continue as Senate Majority Leader or if Minority Leader Schumer (D-NY) assumes the Senate Majority Leader position.

116th Congress
The 116th Congress adjourned after Congress agreed on a COVID-19 Aid package included in H.R. 133, the massive 5,593-page combined Omnibus Appropriations and COVID Aid bill. The House passed another bill to increase individual payments to $2,000, but the Senate failed to act.

COVID Aid
The COVID package includes $82 billion for education with $54.3 billion for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund, $10 billion for child care, and $13 billion for SNAP and child nutrition. California school districts should receive $6.76 billion ($1,071.91 per pupil). There is NO direct aid for state and local governments in this COVID package. Liability protections were also not included. Funding for the Secure Rural Schools program was not included in either the COVID aid or Omnibus legislation.

COVID Education Funding Highlights
Education Relief Fund Total: $81.9 billion (including $20 billion higher education funding). Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund: $54.3 billion for school districts with the funds to be used to support multiple purposes including teaching, supplies, services, cleaning, and school facility repairs necessary to support student health as an allowable use. California school districts should receive $6.76 billion.

NOTE: Legislative Language Below
(13) School facility repairs and improvements to enable operation of schools to reduce risk of virus transmission and exposure to environmental health hazards, and to support student health needs.

Governors Emergency Relief Fund
$4.1 billion including $2.75 billion for private K-12 schools to be allocated based on the percentage of low-income students attending private schools. There is a long description of what private schools can use the funds for and what they may not be used for, including vouchers and tuition tax credit programs. Secretary DeVos tried to direct more CARES Act Education Aid to private schools. The incoming Biden Secretary of Education is not expected to continue that effort.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Schools and Outlying Areas: $819 million

Energy Department
Includes Legislative language that the Energy Department must prioritize funding for research to power the United States with 100 percent “clean, renewable, or zero-emission energy sources.” It authorizes a set of new renewable energy measures, including tax credit extensions and new research and development programs for solar, wind and energy storage; funding for energy efficiency projects; upgrades to the electric grid and a new commitment to research on removing carbon from the atmosphere. And it reauthorizes an Environmental Protection Agency program to curb emissions from diesel engines. Bill provisions begin to address incoming Biden-Administration call to extend tax incentives for solar and wind generation and provide more money for clean energy research.

Solar Investment Tax Credit – 2-year Extension
Energy efficient commercial buildings deduction. The provision makes permanent the deduction for energy efficiency improvements to building envelope, lighting, heating, cooling ventilation, and hot water systems of commercial buildings. The provision, also updates the ASHRAE Reference Standard 90.1 from the 2007 standard to the most recent standard as of two years before the start of construction.

FY 2021 ED Funding
The Omnibus bill Labor, Health and Human Services and Education FY 2021 total includes a small $785 million (less than 2%) increase over last year’s funding level. Funding for most programs is either frozen at the FY 2020 levels or increased by less than 2%. The bill rejects the President’s proposed program consolidations, funding cuts, and eliminations.

Key programs include:

Title I (the largest K-12 program): $227 million (1.4%) increase
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act State Grant Programs: $181 million (1.3%) increase
Career Technical Education: $52 million (4.1%) increase
Adult Education: $18 million (2.7%) increase

We look forward to working with CSF and CASH to advance federal support and investment in California’s school infrastructure during the Biden Administration and 117th Congress. Example starting points will be two bills from the 116th Congress: H.R. 865/S. 266, The Rebuild America’s Schools Act and H.R. 2, The Moving Forward Act.

-Bob Canavan, CSF Federal Legislative Advocate

Thank you to all who support the work of CSF and CASH members to build, renovate, repair and modernize California’s schools to advance student achievement and success.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

CSF Federal Update: Biden Economic Recovery Plan, Investing in School Infrastructure

December 4, 2020

We hope all are well and healthy.

Congress is trying to close-out a lame duck session by completing a massive Omnibus Appropriations bill and a much need COVID-19 aid package to assist schools, state and local governments, hospitals, small businesses and provide unemployment benefits. The Biden-Harris transition team is working on the President-elect’s Economic Recovery Plan and his education agenda. The Biden-Harris education transition team is chaired by Linda Darling Hammond, President of the California State Board of Education.

President-elect Biden announced an Economic Recovery Plan with an emphasis on modernizing our nation’s infrastructure and schools, including $100 billion to rebuild public schools and invest in high speed broadband.

Californians for School Facilities will work with President-elect Biden, Vice-President-elect Harris and Congress to enact their Economic Plan through bills such as the Moving Forward Act and the Rebuild America’s Schools Act to help states and local communities repair, build, renovate and modernize California’s and America’s school infrastructure. Investing in modern schools will generate economic activity in California and every state, creating more than 100,000 new construction jobs.

Below is short federal report on the lame duck session. The Continuing Resolution (CR) currently funding federal agencies, including the Department of Education, expires December 11.

Omnibus Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriations Bill
House and Senate Appropriations Committee Chairs are negotiating an Omnibus Appropriations bill to include 12 FY 2021 Appropriations bills. The Senate and House Appropriations Committee negotiators are close to an agreement but there are some issues holding up a final package, including funding for the border wall, veterans’ programs and social policy riders. The Labor, Health and Human Services and Education bill has not been finalized yet. If a FY 2021 funding package cannot be finalized next week, Congress might pass another short term one-week CR to allow time to finish their work.

COVID-19 Aid Package
COVID-19 talks may come back to life. There is a bipartisan Senate $908 billion plan with Republican and Democrat sponsors that is trying to bridge the gap between the House passed HEROES Act, a $500 billion bill sponsored by Senate Majority Leader McConnell, and Administration proposals. House Speaker Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Schumer are supporting the Senate bipartisan plan. The bipartisan plan has $160 billion for state and local governments and $82 billion for schools, as well as aid for hospitals, small business, unemployment benefits, and liability protections. California school districts would receive approximately $8 billion in funding through this package. The support of Speaker Pelosi and Leader Schumer is a compromise from earlier positions. This raises the possibility of further talks for a COVID-19 aid package. Majority Leader McConnell is now somewhat more optimistic than previously. There are a number of issues to resolve in a short period of time. But the prospect of another COVID-19 aid package is more promising, if Congressional leaders and the Administration can agree that a COVID package is needed now.

CSF looks forward to the first 100 days of the Biden Administration and their first initiatives including the Economic Plan investing in school infrastructure and other critical national priorities.

Stay safe and healthy.

-Bob Canavan, CSF Federal Legislative Advocate

Thank you to all who support the work of CSF and CASH members to build, renovate, repair and modernize California’s schools to advance student achievement and success.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

CSF Federal Update: HEROES Act Updated; COVID Aid Bill Support for Schools and School Facilities

September 30, 2020

We hope all are well and healthy.

Aid Bill 2.0 – HEROES ACT (updated)
Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats released a revised and updated $2.2 trillion HEROES Act COVID aid bill on Monday. The new bill, which could get a floor vote later this week if bipartisan talks between the Speaker and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin fail, is a reduced version of the $3.4 trillion HEROES Act (HR 6800) the House passed in May.

The new HEROES (Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions) Act, or pandemic-relief bill, reduces the total cost of the original HEROES Act by $1.2 billion but it more than doubles K-12 education funding to $225 billion and also increases support for school facilities, child care, libraries and museums, and broadband access.

K-12: $175 Billion, School Facilities: $5 Billion
The proposed HEROES bill includes $175 billion for K-12 schools and $5 billion for K-12 school facilities to respond to coronavirus with funds that can be used for repairs and improvements to support student health needs, including improvements to allow outdoor teaching.

Overall, the revised $2.2 trillion HEROES Act still contrasts with the $1.5 trillion COVID Aid figure last proposed by the White House. Speaker Pelosi and the Treasury Secretary may resume COVID negotiations. The Speaker also said House Democrats could take the revised HEROES bill to the floor if the renewed talks for the much needed COVID aid package with the Administration fail.

HEROES Act (updated): Department of Education Funding
$208.1 billion for ED’s Education Stabilization Fund
Funding is allocated to states based on a combination of the number of school-aged children and the number of Title 1-