WiRSA (Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance) - Strong Schools - Strong Communities
Washington, D.C., Advocacy
OUR (Wisconsin & NREA) 2027 FEDERAL POLICY AGENDA
Founded in 1907, the National Rural Education Association is the oldest national education organization in the United States and the trusted voice for rural learners, educators, and communities. Rural schools educate more than 10 million students across nearly half of all public school districts in the country. These schools are not smaller versions of urban systems — they are distinct institutions with distinct needs, distinct strengths, and distinct solutions. Our federal policy agenda reflects that reality. POLICY AGENDA PDF
NREA's 2022–2027 National Rural Research
Agenda, which centers spatial and educational equity, health and wellness, teacher and leader preparation, partnership and community relationships, college and career trajectory, and policy and funding as the defining priorities for rural education research and practice. Every ask we bring to Congress is anchored in that evidence base.
Invest in Opportunity: Robust FY27 Funding for Title I
& Career & Technical Education (CTE) - PDF 2 Page AGENDA
We ask you to oppose any FY27 cuts and instead strengthen federal investments in both Title I, Part A and Perkins Career & Technical Education State Grants. Specifically, we urge you to increase Title I funding to ensure students in under- resourced communities receive the evidence-based supports they need to succeed. We also request a significant boost to Perkins CTE funding so rural districts can expand high-quality, modern career pathways aligned with workforce demands. By supporting these investments, you will help build stronger schools, a skilled workforce, and lasting economic opportunity in every community. POLICY 2 page PDF AGENDA
Invest in Educators: Robust Funding for ESEA Title II-A
& Innovation in Educator Apprenticeships - PDF 2-Page AGENDA
We ask you to champion robust, sustained federal investment in educators by fully funding ESEA Title II-A in FY27 and rejecting proposals to eliminate this critical program. We urge you to support the Senate’s Labor–HHS–Education funding level to ensure districts can recruit, retain, and develop a high-quality educator workforce. Additionally, we request your support for reauthorizing the National Apprenticeship Act in a way that explicitly includes education careers and provides dedicated funding for educator apprenticeships. Together, these actions will strengthen educator pipelines, expand high-quality professional learning, and improve outcomes for students in every community. POLICY 2 page PDF AGENDA
Fully Fund and Modernize the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
We urge Congress to:
Support the IDEA Full Funding Act (S. 1277 and H.R. 2598); the Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act (H.R. 5141 in the 118th Congress) to restore funding for early intervention services under IDEA Part C and Section 619; and the Keep Our PACT Act (S. 343 and H.R. 869), which would put Congress on a fiscally responsible path to fully fund Title I and IDEA on a mandatory basis.
Prioritize IDEA modernization to strengthen implementation, access, and accountability.
Protecting Schools & Connecting Students: Cybersecurity, Broadband, and Home Connectivity
We ask you to protect students and schools by supporting federal investments that strengthen cybersecurity and expand reliable connectivity. Specifically, we urge you to support and closely evaluate the FCC’s $200 million Cybersecurity Pilot Program and use its findings to modernize E-rate cybersecurity support. We also request your continued commitment to robust E-rate funding to ensure every school has access to affordable, high-speed broadband. Finally, we ask you to restore and sustain the Affordable Connectivity Program so students can remain connected to learning beyond the school day. POLICY 2 Page PDF AGENDA
Prioritizing Student Health, Wellness & Safety for Academic Success
We ask Congress to strengthen educator pipelines, expand high-quality professional learning, and improve outcomes for students in every community. Our Ask We ask you to prioritize student health, wellness, and safety as essential investments in academic success. Specifically, we urge you to strengthen school-based Medicaid services, expand access to nutritious school meals, and restore and increase funding for school-based mental health programs. We also request continued investment in evidence-based school safety initiatives and support for improving indoor air quality in schools, including passage of H.R. 5123. Together, these actions will reduce chronic absenteeism, improve student well-being, and ensure schools are safe, healthy environments where all students can. POLICY 2 page PDF AGENDA
Ensuring Public Schools Fully Benefit from the Federal School Tax Credit in the OBBBA
We ask you to exercise strong congressional oversight to ensure public schools can fully and fairly benefit from the federal school tax credit established in the OBBBA. Specifically, we urge you to clearly communicate to the Treasury Department that public schools are intended beneficiaries and that implementing rules must be practical and accessible to rural school districts. We also request that Treasury guidance include transparent distribution mechanisms, targeted outreach, and technical assistance so public schools, especially those serving high-need communities, are not disadvantaged. These steps will ensure the tax credit strengthens public education and fulfills Congress’s intent.
POLICY 2 page PDF AGENDA