The NJEA Congressional Contact Committee (CCC) hosted a lobby day in Washington, D.C. on July 20, drawing members from across the state. Composed of CCC and Government Relations Committee members, NEA Directors, and members of county Legislative Action Teams, the group went to Congress to demand more resources for our schools and fair treatment for educational support professionals (ESPs).
Over the course of 24 hours, members met with the entire New Jersey Congressional Delegation or their staff. Of primary concern was a just-introduced budget proposal in the U.S. House of Representatives to slash Title I education funding by 80%. NJEA members demanded a reversal of these cuts, which would cost over $300 million in lost funding for New Jersey’s public schools.
Members also promoted the ESP Family Leave Act, which would close an unconscionable loophole in federal family leave that makes large numbers of ESP members ineligible for the benefit. Members secured new co-sponsorships of the law during the lobby day.
With more work to do, the advocacy will continue with lobby days throughout the year.