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:
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.