Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools
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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Published: February 24, 2025
NEA fights for legislation ensuring all workers—both in the public and private sectors—the right to join a labor union and to bargain collectively for fair wages, workplace safety, and access to healthcare and retirement security.
Educators’ working conditions are students’ learning conditions; good working conditions for educators promote student learning and engagement. When educators come together to negotiate a fair contract with their employers, they can set limits on class size and address health and safety issues.
NEA and our labor union partners also continue to secure for women equal pay for equal work. On average, women still earn just 76 cents for every dollar earned by men, according to the National Partnership for Women & Families, with women of color and disabled women earning far less. It’s long past time for this to change.
Bills in Congress
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Support
S 5568 Smaller Class Sizes for Students and Educators Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on September 28, 2026
This bill directs the Department of Education to award grants for local educational agencies to reduce class sizes in the early elementary grades (grades K-3) in targeted public elementary schools by recruiting, hiring, and supporting qualified teachers.
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Support
S 5280 Guaranteed Paid Vacation Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on August 6, 2026
This bill would guarantee at least two weeks of paid vacation to every full-time worker in America.
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Support
S 5195 Green New Deal for Public Schools Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on July 30, 2026
This bill would infuse $1.6 trillion over the next decade to transform our public school system – investing in students, educators, and infrastructure – and respond to the climate crisis.
Letters & Testimony
NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.
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NEA Recommendations on Labor Nominees
Submitted on August 3, 2026
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Reject Bills that Make Schools Less Safe
Submitted on July 20, 2026
Professional Pay
Competitive pay is crucial for attracting and retaining qualified educators for our students, throughout their academic journeys.
Health Benefits & Policy
NEA strongly supports access to quality, affordable, and comprehensive health care coverage for all residents of the United States.
Pensions & Retirement Security
Pensions are crucial to attracting and retaining qualified, experienced educators in the profession. And that's worth fighting for.
Job & Career Security
No matter their age, from Pre-K to higher ed, our students benefit when all educators—janitorial staff, paraeducators, and college professors alike—are treated like the professionals they are.
Advocating for Change
NEA helps build collective action for competitive pay, health benefits, and retirement security so we can attract and retain the best educators for our students.
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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Jump to updates, opportunities, and resources for NEA state and local affiliates.
Collaborating for Student Success
Successful collaboration requires commitment. The Collaborating for Student Success guidebook includes a comprehensive framework for successful collaboration, grounded in research and on-the-ground practice, as well as a number of tools to support you in your own collaboration efforts.
