“President Biden’s proposed budget outlines critical investments in Latino students because investing in Latino students is about investing in the future of this nation”
Washington, D.C. – Amanda Fernandez, CEO and Founder of Latinos for Education, the nation’s first Latino-founded organization focused on increasing the voice and influence of Latinos within the education sector and advancing policies that support Latino students, released the following statement in response to President Biden’s proposed FY 2025 budget:
“School districts across the nation are experiencing budget shortfalls, as they still try to recover from the setbacks the COVID-19 pandemic created in our education system. They are having to make difficult choices about the programs, services, and opportunities they continue to provide their students. Latino students will be dramatically impacted by these budget shortfalls, as they make up almost 30 percent of students enrolled in our public education system. President Biden’s proposed FY 2025 budget makes needed investments that are critical to advancing educational equity and opportunity for Latino students, including:
- Investing in a robust, diverse, and multilingual educator workforce. Investments like the proposed $2.9 billion in educator preparation, development, and leadership programs and the $80 million to elevate the multilingual teaching workforce are critical to ensure Latino and bilingual educators are prepared to enter the classroom.
- Investing in the academic success of Latino students, especially in programs that prepare them for college and careers. President Biden’s proposed $57 million for the Career-Connected High Schools initiative, especially to support the dual enrollment of Latino students in college-level coursework while in high school, can help ensure Latinos are prepared for college success. Moreover, as part of the Administration’s proposed Reducing the Cost of College fund, the federal government would support states in expanding access to at least 12 credits of free, career-connected dual enrollment for all interested high school students. At the same time, investments in the mental health and well-being of Latino students through school-based mental health services help ensure that Latino students receive the additional support they need to succeed academically.
- Investments that make college much more affordable and accessible to Latino students. Investments like President Biden’s proposed increase to Pell Grants – with the eventual goal to double the Pell by 2029 – and investments in Minority Serving Institutions and Postsecondary Student Success Grants support Latinos pursuing their college dreams, which are key as they will continue to power our economy.
- Increased investments in education overall. The President’s 2025 Budget requests $82.4 billion in discretionary Budget Authority, a $3.1 billion or 4.0 percent increase from the fiscal year 2024 annualized Continuing Resolution (CR) level. We must continue to do more to invest in the education of America’s students.
We look forward to working with members of Congress and the Biden Administration to see a final budget that funds our education system at appropriate and equitable levels, supports current and aspiring Latino educators, and sets up Latino students to succeed from cradle to career.”
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Latinos for Education is a Latino-led education organization focused on improving opportunities and outcomes for Latino students by increasing the voice and representation of Latinos within the education sector; advancing bold policy at the local, state and national level; and building a strong network of Latino educators nationwide. Learn more: https://www.latinosforeducation.org/
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