H.R.2021 - American Teacher Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2021, the American Teacher Act, proposes grants to State Educational Agencies (SEAs) to increase teacher salaries, aiming for a minimum of $60,000 annually, adjusted for inflation. The bill addresses teacher shortages and low compensation, which Congress finds detrimental to education quality and access. It includes provisions for sustainability plans from SEAs and prioritization of subgrants to Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) serving high-need schools.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill could lead to increased teacher salaries, potentially improving teacher retention and attracting new educators to the profession. This could result in more stable learning environments and improved student outcomes, particularly in under-resourced schools. The act also aims to raise awareness of the value of the teaching profession through a national campaign.
Potential Benefits
- Increased teacher salaries, potentially leading to improved morale and retention.
- Enhanced educational opportunities, especially in under-resourced schools.
- A stronger teacher pipeline, attracting more qualified individuals to the profession.
- Greater economic stability for teachers, reducing the need for multiple jobs.
- Increased awareness of the value of teaching through a national campaign.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential strain on state and federal budgets to fund the grants.
- Risk of funds supplanting existing state and local funding for teacher salaries.
- Possible administrative overhead in managing and distributing the grants.
- The act does not address other factors contributing to teacher shortages, such as working conditions and lack of support.
- Inflation adjustments may not keep pace with the actual cost of living in some areas.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution (Preamble), which allows Congress to enact laws promoting the well-being of the nation. While education is not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, the Supreme Court has recognized the importance of education in a functioning democracy. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but Congress can use its spending power (Article I, Section 8) to incentivize states to meet federal goals, as long as the conditions are clearly stated and related to a national concern.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).