Press Releases

Representative G. K. Butterfield (NC-01), Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), responded today to the House Republican proposal to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which the U.S. Department of Education estimates would cut more than $3 billion in federal funding over the next 6 years to school districts with high concentrations of Black and Hispanic students. These cuts in education spending would allow states to divert money from schools serving vulnerable student populations to wealthier districts and lock in sequestration funding levels. 

CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield said, “This proposal by House Republicans will enable states to cut funding from schools and communities that need it most. If the Republican legislation is allowed to move forward, school districts which serve high concentrations of Black students would be faced with devastating federal funding cuts of more than $1.3 billion which would cripple schools, teachers and our children’s futures. Education is a fundamental civil right and it is the responsibility of Congress to invest in all students and provide opportunities for them to succeed. The Republican proposal would be detrimental and a travesty, and if allowed, would fail our students who are most in need.”

The following school districts serving high concentrations of black students are among the 100 largest school districts in the country, and could lose more than $1.3 billion in federal funding:  Baltimore City Public Schools (MD), Detroit City School District (MI), Prince George's County Public Schools (MD), Shelby County School District (TN), Atlanta City School District (GA), Clayton County School District (GA), DeKalb County School District (GA), Cleveland Municipal School District (OH), Columbus City School District (OH), Milwaukee School District (WI) and Philadelphia City School District (PA). Specifically, Detroit City Schools and Shelby County Schools in Tennessee, which both have more than 80 percent Black students, stand to lose $265 million and $114 million respectively.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act – also known as No Child Left Behind – was last reauthorized in 2001. The Obama Administration has called for a bipartisan overhaul which ensures all students are prepared for college, careers and life. The Administration has threatened to veto the Republican House proposal scheduled for a vote later this week.

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Since its establishment in 1971, Members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) have joined together to empower America’s neglected citizens and address their legislative concerns. For more than 40 years, the CBC has consistently been the voice for people of color and vulnerable communities in Congress and has been committed to utilizing the full Constitutional power and statutory authority of the United States government to ensure that all U.S. citizens have an opportunity to achieve the American Dream. To learn more about the Congressional Black Caucus, visit http://cbc-butterfield.house.gov.

Media inquiries: Candace L. Randle at (202) 593-1331 or Candace.Randle@mail.house.gov