Earlier this month, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) put out an “Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” (ANPRM) seeking additional input and public engagement on how to proceed with implementation of and the religious exemption for contraceptive coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Read more

This morning the U.S. Senate voted 51-48 to table the Blunt “conscience” amendment (No. 1520) offered by Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) to S. Read more

Last week, we wrote about the letter we sent on behalf of the National Coalition for Public Education (NCPE) asking the House Education and Workforce Committee to reject provisions allowing for vouchers in the package of Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) reauthorization bills.  The Committee held a mark-up on two of the bills this week and happily, the tr Read more

Last Thursday, the House Education and Workforce Committee held a hearing on two of their Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) reauthorization bills, which include a number of troubling sections that would allow for voucher funding if passed. Read more

Earlier this month AU, along with over 20 other organizations, submitted comments opposing proposed regulations issued by the Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Commerce. Read more

Florida’s public school prayer bill, SB 98, has passed the full Senate and the House Judiciary Committee and moves to the House floor for a vote as soon as today. Read more

Yesterday, Rob Boston discussed a bit of the controversy that has erupted in response to the Department of Health and Human Service’s (HHS) decision to require all institutions to provide insurance plans for their employees that include contraceptive coverage, with a narrow exemption for houses of worship. Read more

Last year, the BOAST Interim Study Group was created in the state of Maryland to examine and report on a recurring school voucher proposal most recently introduced in the 2011 General Assembly session. The Building Opportunities for All Students and Teachers (BOAST) in Maryland Tax Credit, if passed, would award an income tax credit in exchange for donating to a private school voucher program or “innovative educational programs” in public schools. Read more

Last month, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam announced the formation of the Task Force on Opportunity Scholarships for Tennessee to make recommendations to him on possible voucher programs in the state. He explained, "First and foremost, any new program must complement our ongoing efforts to reform education." Read more

Tomorrow the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee will be holding a hearing on SB 98, which would permit district school boards to allow prayers of invocation or benediction at public school events. This regrettable bill is unnecessary, unconstitutional, and would harm the religious rights of students. Read more