President Releases FY 2017 Budget Request, Kicking Off Annual Appropriations Process
President Releases FY 2017 Budget Request, Kicking Off Annual Appropriations Process
 
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February 2016

On February 9, the Obama administration released a $4.15 trillion budget for FY 2017. The budget shows a commitment to evidence-based policy making and investment in research and development.

Federal entities of greatest interest to the field of education science in the President’s request:

  • Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education — The administration requested $694 million in FY 2017, an increase of $76 million above the FY 2016 appropriated level of $618 million. The majority of the increase ($46 million) would support Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems.

  • Directorate for Education and Human Resources, National Science Foundation (NSF) — The administration requested $953 million for EHR in FY 2017, an increase of $73 billion over the FY 2016 estimated appropriation of $880 million. Of this increase, $54 million would support STEM education core activities and require additional—and unlikely—legislation.

  • National Institute of Child Health and Human Development — The administration requested $1,338 million for FY 2017, a slight decrease from the enacted $1,340 million in FY 2016. The budget for Research and Development Contracts would increase while Research Project Grants, Research Centers and Other Research budget lines would all decrease.

The Education and Human Resource directorate takes major responsibility for the support of core education sciences at NSF. The Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences and other directorates (e.g. CISE, Engineering) also fund education research within the Research and Related Activities Account.

Unlike last year when Congress actively debated sequestration caps, the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, passed in November, raised the FY 2017 caps for both defense and non-defense discretionary spending. Leadership in both chambers have expressed their plans to quickly move all 12 appropriations bills. However, the upcoming election means fewer days in session and greater caution when casting complicated votes. Advocates widely believe that FY 2017 will start with a continuing resolution.

On April 8, AERA members from more than 20 states will meet with Capitol Hill staff to express support for federal funding for education research and to share important research findings with the potential to improved education policy and practice decisions.

 
 
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