On May 22, 2025, the U.S. House narrowly passed the budget reconciliation bill by a single vote. This bill includes wide-ranging provisions impacting taxation, spending and various federal programs.
Specifically, the bill would significantly reduce Medicaid funding by imposing work requirements and shifting costs to the states. These Medicaid cuts will have far-reaching effects on our most vulnerable students and their families, potentially undermining their access to essential services. The additional costs shifted to states could directly impact the Medicaid funds our schools receive, as states will need to rebalance their budgets to account for the loss in federal funding. Michigan estimates that approximately 700,000 people would lose their access to Medicaid, many of whom will be children.
Contact your Congressperson today and urge them not to cut Medicaid and to protect and support your students! There is also a sample resolution that your board could pass and share with your Congressperson on our website.
The budget also includes the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), which proposes a national voucher program that would redirect an estimated $20 billion in taxpayer funds from public to private schools. Not only is the proposal financially reckless, but it will use public taxpayer dollars to fund private education. Many students in rural areas do not have access to a private school within five miles of their home. Private schools can also limit their enrollment based on their criteria and have been known to then raise their tuition to match the voucher.
MASB strongly believes that public tax dollars should be exclusively used for public schools. For more information on the Educational Choice for Children Act, visit National Coalition for Public Education's website to learn more about supporting public schools and opposing private school vouchers, including messaging your member of Congress.
As the bill moves through the Senate, changes are expected. This is the moment to contact your Congressperson. The current goal is to have the bill ready for presidential signature no later than July 4th.