If enacted, the bill would decentralize education management, giving states greater power over educational programs, funding allocation, and adherence to educational standards. This shift could lead to variances in educational quality and accessibility across states, as different states may prioritize or fund programs differently. The direct oversight by the federal government would be eliminated, fundamentally altering how educational programs are structured and administered.
Summary
SB5384, also known as the 'Returning Education to Our States Act', proposes the complete abolishment of the Department of Education, effective 180 days after enactment. The bill seeks to transfer the oversight and funding of various federal educational programs to state authorities. Specifically, it includes the Programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to be handed over to the Department of Health and Human Services, while other educational funding mechanisms will also be reassigned to different federal departments.
Contention
The proposal has sparked significant debate among lawmakers and educational advocates. Supporters argue that removing federal oversight would allow states to tailor educational initiatives to better meet local needs and priorities. However, detractors express concern that such a drastic move could undermine essential protections and uniform standards for educational equity, particularly for marginalized groups. The loss of dedicated federal resources raises fears about potential increases in educational disparities between states, particularly those with fewer resources.
Academic Partnerships Lead Us to Success Act or the A PLUS Act This bill creates a framework under which states may receive federal elementary and secondary education funds on a consolidated basis and use such funds for any educational purpose permitted by state law.
Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of statewide elected officials, the Judiciary, the Office of the State Public Defender, and the General Assembly
Border Security Investment ActThis bill imposes a fee on the electronic transfer of funds (i.e., remittances) sent to certain countries and provides funding for border security activities from the collected amounts.Specifically, the fee shall apply to remittances sent through money services business to one of the five countries that had the most citizens or nationals unlawfully enter the United States in the previous fiscal year, as determined by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The fee must be 37% of the amount sent.Half of the money collected by the fee must be placed in a trust fund for reimbursing border states for expenses incurred for border security enforcement measures. The other half must be placed in another trust fund for (1) deploying technology and installing physical barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border, and (2) paying the wages and salaries of U.S. Border Patrol agents.If the amount in the trust funds exceeds a certain threshold, the excess money must be used only for deficit reduction.
Appropriates money for the expenses, grants, refunds, and distributions of statewide elected officials, the Judiciary, the Office of the State Public Defender, and the General Assembly