Good News:

The House and Senate reached an agreement for a nearly $1.1 trillion FY 2015 spending bill on Saturday, December 13th . It will fund most of the federal government through September 30, 2015. There was one exception and several controversial riders attached to it. The bill now goes to the President.  

Adult Education is in this budget under WIOA Title II for $582,667,000, this is a $5 million increase from the previous fiscal year. It still isn't at pre- sequester levels, but it is moving in the right direction. Adult Education groups, including COABE, advocated for a larger increase but any increase in this budget environment should be seen as a win!

COABE also advocated for reinstating ability-to-benefit (ATB) financial aid eligibility for students without high school diplomas enrolled in career pathway programs at community colleges. Even though this is a partial reinstatement, it will benefit adult education programs and students in Integrated Education Programs or in career pathway programs.

Resources

• Short videos explaining WIOA

• Working with Libraries Adult Literacy through Libraries Action Agenda is now available for free download.U.S. Senate 2015 Legislative Schedule
  
  
  
•  U.S. House 2015 Legislative Schedule
  
  
  
•  The National Council of State Directors of Adult Education (NCSDAE) Legislation and Funding Page