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Published: June 2, 2025
Nearly 80 million Americans—including 38 million children and 1 in 10 education support professionals—receive health care coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
Both Medicaid and CHIP are administered by the states, according to federal requirements, and are funded jointly by the federal government and the states. Covered children miss fewer school days, are more likely to attend college, and earn more as adults.
Find out more about Medicaid/CHIP health care coverage in your school district, congressional district, or state.
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VOTE NO on H.R. 1
Submitted on July 2, 2025
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VOTE NO on Senate budget bill
Submitted on June 28, 2025
Bills in Congress
Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools
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Support
S 2823 FAMILY Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on September 16, 2025
This bill would create a permanent, national program for paid family and medical leave.
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Support
S 2738 ESP, Paraprofessional, and Education Support Staff Family Leave Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on September 9, 2025
This bill would expand the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to cover 2.7 million education support professionals (ESPs) who are currently blocked from accessing FMLA benefits. The FMLA guarantees a segment of the workforce the ability to take unpaid leave to care for their newborns and sick loved ones without fear of losing their jobs.
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Support
HR 5222 ESP, Paraprofessional, and Education Support Staff Family Leave Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on September 9, 2025
This bill would expand the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to cover 2.7 million education support professionals (ESPs) who are currently blocked from accessing FMLA benefits. The FMLA guarantees a segment of the workforce the ability to take unpaid leave to care for their newborns and sick loved ones without fear of losing their jobs.
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
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Speak Up For Students and Public Schools
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