1. United States
2. Del.
3. Letter

I am writing to share my views on the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Budget currently under consideration. The decisions made in this budget will directly shape the quality of education available to students in our state, particularly in science and STEM fields that are essential to our nation’s future. I urge you to fully fund the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (ESSA Title IV‑A) at $1.38 billion. This program remains the primary source of federal science and STEM education funding for states and districts under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), and its impact is felt in classrooms every day. I also ask that you maintain funding for the Supporting Effective Instruction Grants (ESSA Title II‑A) at $2.2 billion. These grants enable districts to provide high‑quality professional development for teachers—an investment that directly improves student learning and strengthens the teaching profession. In addition, I encourage you to continue funding the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (ESSA Title IV‑B) at $1.329 billion. These centers play a vital role in offering high‑quality science and STEM programming in afterschool and summer learning environments, expanding opportunities for students who need them most. I further request your support for the Senate’s proposed $70 million for Teacher Quality Partnership Grants, which can be used to support teacher preparation and training in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence. Science and STEM education should be national priorities. At a time when global competitors are accelerating their investments in these areas, the United States cannot afford to shortchange its students. Reducing federal support for education programs would have a chilling effect on educators, students, and the future of innovation in our country. By investing in science education, we strengthen the STEM talent pipeline that is essential to maintaining U.S. leadership in critical fields and preparing the workforce of the future. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued service to our state. I hope you will champion these investments in our students, educators, and national competitiveness.