Committee for Education Funding

Today, the Committee for Education Funding (CEF) held a briefing on Capitol Hill in conjunction with the release of our annual education budget book. Education practitioners joined CEF to discuss the impact of the FY27 Education budget request on students, families, and communities across the country. The budget book provides state-by-state data on how federal investments in education improve lives and benefit the economy. Visit cef.org to access the full budget book, downloadable charts, and hear stories on the impact of education funding in communities.

Last week, the Committee for Education Funding joined a group of 532 organizations in sending a letter to the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittees urging a robust FY2027 allocation for programs that support education and workforce development. Chronic underfunding has already strained these programs, and proposed FY2027 cuts would make things worse. We're calling on Congress to reject those cuts and ensure these investments reach the communities that depend on them. Read the full letter here:

Letters to Congress and Administration | Support Federal Investment in Education Funding | Committee for Education Funding (CEF) | Supporting Investment in Education Write a letter to congress to show your support of federal investment in education -- CEF advocates for education investment in elementary, K-12, secondary ed, & college levels.

Appropriations Update: The House Appropriations Labor-HHS-Ed Subcommittee is scheduled to mark up the FY27 Labor-HHS-Education bill on June 5. Additionally, the deadline to submit outside witness testimony to the Senate Labor-HHS-Ed Subcommittee is tomorrow, May 22. See guidance here:https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/owt_guidelines_lhhs_fy27.pdf

FYI: As of May 2026, more than $2 billion in congressionally approved K-12 and higher education funding for FY26 has not been apportioned by OMB. Visit openOMB.org to track apportionment status, where you can search by agency, track unallocated funds, and monitor conditions attached to spending.

The Committee for Education Funding is pleased to welcome Jared C. Bass, Esquire as our new Executive Director.

Jared has built a distinguished career shaping education policy across government and the nonprofit sector. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President for Education at the Center for American Progress, where he led work spanning early childhood, K-12, higher education, and workforce development. Prior to that, he served on the House Appropriations Committee, where he helped shape major legislation, including the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan. Throughout his career, Jared has also held key roles at the U.S. Department of Education, New America, and the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, among others.

Welcome to the team, Jared! We’re looking forward to everything ahead.

The President's FY 2027 budget request eliminates funding for many education programs, including Rural Education, afterschool programs, and adult education, among others. Learn more: https://cef.org/charts-and-resources/charts/

Yesterday, CEF hosted a reception bringing together CEF members and Congressional education staff for an evening of connection and conversation. It was great to spend time with such dedicated advocates and see both new and familiar faces.

CEF Member Highlight: This week, Partners for Rural Impact hosted their annual Rural Summit in Buffalo, NY. The Summit brought together nearly 700 rural advocates from across the country to share expertise and make meaningful connections. Please consider joining PRI in Omaha next year!