A bipartisan spending deal preserved most Education Department programs and nearly $80 billion in funding for fiscal 2026, despite the Trump administration’s efforts to scale back the agency. The agreement also requires regular briefings to Congress on the reorganization.
The union is asking for a 9% salary increase over the course of two years in addition to fully funded healthcare for dependents, changing the workload for special education teachers and increasing staffing to reduce class size.
Disability advocates are warning Congress against reopening the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, saying even small changes could weaken protections for students with disabilities. The concerns come as the Education Department faces cuts and uncertainty.
The rate of high school students from low-income and high-minority neighborhoods applying for college financial aid has increased by over 60% since last year.
