State and Federal News
ID- Five education issues to watch during the 2021 session
1/7/2021- ‘Idaho’s biggest, wildest political season is almost here and the stakes and uncertainty are as high as ever.’
1/8/2021- ‘Michigan schools are in line to receive roughly $1.65 billion in coronavirus relief from a federal aid package passed in December.’
NV- State closes digital divide with boots-on-the-ground effort
1/8/2021- ‘Nevada has conquered the digital divide by connecting all students in rural and urban communities to both internet access and devices, District Administration reports. Full connection was achieved by the state’s COVID-19 Task Force, Connecting Kids and public-private partnerships.’
IL- Higher education bill aims for racial equity through scholarships, program reforms
1/9/2021- ‘A bill aimed at making college education and teacher preparation programs more accessible and affordable for people of color began working its way through the General Assembly on Saturday with the formal introduction of language that lawmakers have been negotiating for months.’
New Mexico governor seeks new spending on health, education
1/12/2021- ‘Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is recommending a 3.3% increase in state general fund spending in the coming fiscal year to devote more to public education and health and workplace safety programs, as authorities grapple with the economic hardships and mounting death toll of the pandemic.’
California budget urges $90 billion for schools, reopening
1/8/2021- ‘California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed Friday a $90 billion budget aimed at helping schools rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, as he pushes public schools to resume in-person classes quickly.’
UT- Gov. Spencer Cox’s First Budget Recommendation Focuses On Pandemic And Education Funding
1/11/2021- ‘Following up on his campaign promises to focus on education and Utah’s COVID-19 response, Gov. Spencer Cox unveiled his first budget proposal Monday.’
Constitutional amendment would require full state funding for public education in Nebraska
1/14/2021- ‘Some big proposals landed in the laps of state senators Wednesday during another round of bill introduction.’
Research and Analysis
5 ed tech trends to watch in 2021
The shifts of the past year are shaping new developments in online learning, classroom tech training, cybersecurity concerns and more.
Policy Roundup compiled by NAfME’s Matt Barusch.