JNCL-NCLIS Analysis of FY23 Omnibus Appropriations for Language Education Programs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 21st, 2022 - On Tuesday, December 20, lawmakers released their highly anticipated $1.7 trillion government funding package for fiscal year 2023. Both chambers must act fast to pass the omnibus to avert a government shutdown on Friday, with the Senate expected to consider the package as early as Wednesday and the House to follow suit quickly thereafter.
Highlights of JNCL-NCLIS priority legislation include continued funding for the World Language Advancement and Readiness Grants Program (WLARA) at $15 million in the Senate’s FY23 Defense bill. The Native American Language Resource Centers received $1.5 million, which is significant, especially for a program that has never been authorized.
Additionally, other language education fared well as several key programs received increases in the final text of the FY23 omnibus. ESSA’s Title III received a $59 million increase, Title VI of HEA got a $4 million boost, and Indian Education funding will be increased by $5.5 million. The Education for Native Hawaiians and Alaska Native Education Equity programs both received $7 million increases and the Teacher Quality Partnerships program received a modest $11 million increase compared to the Biden Administration’s request for a $72 million increase.
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is set to receive $79.6 billion, representing a $3.2 billion increase from FY22, but a sizeable decrease from President Biden’s budget request and the Appropriations Committees’ recommendations. However, several Biden Administration priorities received notable increases from FY22, including Title I, which will get a $850 million boost, and special education which will get a $934 million increase. Other major Title programs - Title III (+$59 million), Impact Aid (+$61 million), Title IV-A (+$100 million), CTE Grants (+$75 million), and Title II-A (+$20 million) – are all set to receive increases in the FY23 omnibus.
Senator Brian Schatz’s effort to earmark $1 million for a Seal of Biliteracy pilot did not come to fruition as it was not listed in the Congressionally Directed Spending list. JNCL-NCLIS is continuing to work on moving new legislation forward to support the equitable implementation of the Seal of Biliteracy.
Below is a list of key K-12 program funding levels:
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About JNCL-NCLIS:
Established in 1972, the Joint National Committee for Languages (JNCL) and the National Council for Languages and International Studies (NCLIS) unites a national network of leading organizations and businesses comprised of over 300,000 language professionals to advocate for equitable language learning opportunities. Our mission is to ensure that Americans have the opportunity to learn English and at least one other language.
Contact: info@languagepolicy.org