The Supporting Our Educators Act of 2026 increases the tax deduction limit for unreimbursed classroom expenses for elementary and secondary school teachers from $250 to $600. This change directly affects teachers who pay for school-related costs out of pocket, allowing them to deduct a larger portion of these expenses from their taxable income. The provision becomes effective for tax years starting after December 31, 2025, and includes updates to the Internal Revenue Code to reflect the new dollar amount and applicable years.
The Supporting Students and Families Act creates a new tax credit to help offset costs for elementary and secondary school supplies. This credit allows taxpayers to claim up to $200 for expenses related to books, supplies, and equipment for dependents attending public, private, or religious schools. The benefit is reduced for individuals with modified adjusted gross incomes exceeding $150,000 and cannot be claimed for expenses already covered by Coverdell education savings accounts. The changes will take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2026.
This bill proposes adding a new clause to the U.S. Constitution that mandates the federal government, states, Indian Tribes, and territories to work together to guarantee high-quality education for every person in the country. The amendment would give Congress the authority to pass laws necessary to enforce and carry out this educational requirement. If approved by three-fourths of the states, it would create a permanent constitutional obligation for all levels of government to ensure access to quality schooling.
The Summer Meals and Learning Act of 2026 creates a funding program to connect summer meal sites with early literacy activities. It authorizes $5 million annually from 2027 to 2031 for the Department of Education to grant funds to state library agencies, which will then distribute money to specific school districts. These districts must receive the funds only if they serve summer lunches and at least half of their kindergarten through third-grade students are reading below grade level or at risk of falling behind. The money is intended to support six-week summer programs that provide access to school libraries and literacy activities at these meal sites, with a focus on involving community partners.
The Indigenous Students Excel through Parity Act of 2026 directs the Secretary of the Interior to update the funding formula for Bureau of Indian Education schools and tribally controlled schools by the end of 2027. This update requires matching teacher salaries to the highest quartile of state averages and includes specific adjustments for small rural schools and the Havasupai Elementary School. The bill also mandates that future federal budgets fully fund these programs, adjusting amounts annually for inflation and ensuring non-teacher staff receive pay increases equal to federal employees. Additionally, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress evaluating the current funding adequacy and offering recommendations for further improvements.
This bill directs the Secretary of Defense to create the Senator Robert J. Dole Greatest Generation Education Program, which aims to increase public awareness of World War II history and its lessons. The program will operate by providing grants to state and local governments and nonprofit organizations to fund educational events that honor veterans, highlight the home front's contributions, and teach patriotism to young people. Recipients must use the funds for new initiatives rather than existing secondary school curricula, and the Department of Defense retains exclusive rights to the program's name and symbols.
The Pre-Apprenticeships To Hardhats Act authorizes $20 million annually to fund grants for nonprofit partnerships that develop training programs preparing individuals for careers in the building and construction trades. These grants are awarded to groups that include employers, labor organizations, and educational institutions to create curricula aligned with industry standards and registered apprenticeship requirements. The program specifically targets underrepresented populations, such as racial minorities, women, veterans, and long-term unemployed individuals, by covering training costs and potentially providing stipends for work-based learning. To receive funding, applicants must demonstrate a partnership with an existing apprenticeship sponsor and show that the program leads to a high school diploma or equivalent for participants. The Department of Labor oversees the grants, which require annual curriculum reviews and independent evaluations to ensure participants successfully enter registered apprenticeship programs.
The Fund Schools, Not ICE Act directs unspent funds originally allocated to Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be transferred to the Department of Education for use in elementary and secondary school programs. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to sell eleven specific immigration detention warehouses that were purchased between January 1, 2026, and March 31, 2026. These measures aim to redirect financial resources from immigration enforcement toward educational initiatives while mandating the disposal of recently acquired detention facilities.
The Pell Grant Preservation and Expansion Act of 2026 aims to increase financial aid for college students by raising the maximum Pell Grant amount to $15,000 by the 2031-2032 award year and ensuring the program is fully funded through mandatory spending rather than annual appropriations. The bill also expands eligibility for students who receive means-tested government benefits by automatically assigning them a lower financial need score, while simultaneously allowing Dreamer students - undocumented immigrants who meet specific criteria such as graduating high school or serving in the military - to qualify for federal aid. Additional provisions restore the total number of semesters a student can receive Pell Grants from 12 to 18 and adjust the rules for satisfactory academic progress to reduce penalties for students who struggle to meet grade requirements. Finally, the legislation restores Pell Grant eligibility for some students who previously received outside scholarships and sets the law's effective date for July 1, 2026.
This bill creates a federal grant program to help states and school districts establish two-year mentoring and induction programs for new teachers and school leaders. The legislation aims to reduce teacher turnover and improve student learning by providing structured support, including experienced mentors, regular feedback, and collaboration time for educators in their first two years. Funds awarded under this act must be used to supplement existing resources, with a requirement that mentors receive additional compensation or reduced workloads for their participation. The program prioritizes schools with high concentrations of economically disadvantaged students and those facing high rates of new teacher turnover, while also offering specific support for rural areas and underrepresented groups.
