recent info from NAAEE advocacy conference call
Amy Yeakel
Notes for Thursday’s (7/11) Action Network call:
1. No Child Left Inside Update & STEM Consolidation Sign-On Letter
Sarah Bodor – NCLI Coalition/Chesapeake Bay Foundation
NCLI: Representative Sarbanes is ready to reintroduce NCLI with 20 House cosponsors signed on – all democrats…*breaking news – Fitzpatrick (PA – Republican) just signed on (nice work Ruth!). Reintroduction of NCLI is delayed in the House while waiting to confirm Senator Kirk’s (IL) leadership for reintroduction in the Senate. No expressed issues thus far, just not a top priority for his office. It’s important to demonstrate bipartisan support. Illinois – outreach for folks to connect with Senator Kirk. (*see attached list of congressional supporters) *Traci will contact Bora Simmons to see if she has some inroads.
House reauthorization of NCLB may go to the floor for a vote as early as next week led by Chairman Kline. Congressman Miller will likely offer an alternative bill with some language about EE. Sarbanes office is working with Miller on the language to make it relevant to NCLI and include strong support for EE. *We anticipated needed fast outreach to Miller’s office to encourage stronger EE language in his bill. More breaking news – Jason Morris, Nature Bridge & NAAEE Board Member, has been working with Congressman Miller and his staff and let us know that Miller is supportive of NCLI and his only hesitation is in whether the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) will be moving forward in the near-term. Additionally, Congressman Sarbanes office let us know that Miller agreed to the inclusion of language about environmental literacy that he will include in his amendment.
Thank you Paul Chapman for reaching out to Jason and helping us connect the dots.
Pat (NJ) – how is this version of NCLI different than the last one that congressional representatives supported?
Sarah – some changes – 1. To reflect that there are many states with completed or partially completed ELPs. Language was tweaked to reflect this – update in language between development and implementation. 2. More informed approach to language with feedback from formal educators – more specific terminology. 3. Attempt to structure around both the administration and congress in their direction for structure of ESEA – more alignment, better fit – matched, seamless. *See attached for the red-lined NCLI bill.
STEM Consolidation – The NCLI Coalition circulated an e-elert asking folks to sign onto a letter requesting that the administration put together a formal comment period around the proposed consolidation. There’s a lot to learn from folks on the ground who will be impacted by the consolidation. Calling for a formal process for public input. Over 100 signatures on the letter so far –The letter will be sent to White House and cc’d ranking members in congress. Looking ahead to influence.
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Amy Yeakel
Education Program Director
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
PO Box 173 Holderness NH 03245
603.968.2229 (fax)