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
H J Res 155 Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution www.congress.gov
Introduced on April 9, 2026
This resolution would repeal the new rule from the Department of Education that would give the agency the broad authority to deny or revoke PSLF eligibility for certain employers based on vague, politically driven criteria. Instead of recognizing public service, this rule could disqualify entire organizations, including school districts, colleges, and universities—putting educators’ hard-earned loan forgiveness at risk. The CRA process allows Congress to repeal recently finalized federal regulations by passing a resolution, with a simple majority vote in both chambers, which the president then signs into law.
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Oppose
HR 8210 A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026 www.congress.gov
Introduced on April 6, 2026
Ostensibly a reauthorization of the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA), this bill would, for the first time, codify the illegal dismantling of the Department of Education. All Title II Adult Education and Family Literacy programs—and funding—would move from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor, where some targeted programs could be replaced by no-strings-attached block grants. This bill does not require local workforce development boards to include educators who directly teach and support students.
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Support
H.R. 7531 Healthy Families Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on February 12, 2026
A bill that would ensure the United States finally joins virtually every other major country on Earth in guaranteeing paid sick leave to its workers.
Letters & Testimony
NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.
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Don’t Move Adult Education to the Labor Department
Submitted on April 20, 2026
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DOL-2025-0070; RFI Regarding Faith-Based Organizations
Submitted on February 9, 2026
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NEA Comments for Senate Vote on FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (S. 1071)
Submitted on December 15, 2025
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.
