Building Lasting Opportunities for Community K–12 Act or the BLOCK ActThis bill repeals on October 1, 2025, specified formula grants for programs administered by the Department of Education (ED). Beginning with FY2026, ED must instead provide block grants for these programs to each state based on amounts received in FY2025.Specifically, the bill repeals the following allocation formulas for programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965:the Education for the Disadvantaged program (which includes Basic Grants, Concentration Grants, Targeted Grants, and Education Finance Incentive Grants);State Assessment Grants;the Migrant Education Program;Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk;Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants; English Language Acquisition State Grants;Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants;the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program;the Rural Education Achievement Program (which includes both the Small, Rural School Achievement Program and the Rural and Low-Income School Program); andIndian Education Formula Grants.
The impact of HB 847 is multifaceted, affecting how states manage and distribute educational resources. By replacing formula grants with block grants, the bill aims to provide states with greater flexibility in utilizing funds. Advocates suggest that this approach could lead to more effective allocation of resources tailored to the specific needs of each state. However, this shift could also mean that federal oversight on how funds are used may decrease, leading to potential disparities in educational quality across states.
House Bill 847, officially titled the Building Lasting Opportunities for Community K–12 Act, proposes a significant overhaul of federal education funds by repealing certain formula grants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Instead of continuing these grants, the bill seeks to allocate funds to states in the form of block grants. This new funding structure is set to commence in fiscal year 2026, allowing states to receive an amount equivalent to what they received under the repealed provisions in fiscal year 2025.
There are notable points of contention surrounding HB 847, particularly regarding the potential ramifications for local educational agencies. Critics argue that repealing formula grants, which are often designed to target specific needs such as support for disadvantaged students or English language learners, may undermine the goal of ensuring equitable education. By moving to a block grant system, there is concern that essential programs may lose funding or be deprioritized, especially in states that may not prioritize certain educational areas as strongly as others.