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BLOCK Act

3/1/2025, 9:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 847

Bill 119 HR 847, also known as the "Elementary and Secondary Education Act Repeal and Block Grant Act," aims to repeal certain formula grants provided under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Instead of distributing funds through these formula grants, the bill proposes awarding block grants to states. These block grants would provide states with more flexibility in how they allocate funding for education.

The bill specifies that funds from the repealed formula grants would be redirected towards these block grants, unless Congress appropriates them for other purposes. This change is intended to streamline the distribution of education funding and give states more control over how they use these resources to support their schools and students.

Overall, the goal of Bill 119 HR 847 is to simplify the process of funding education at the state level and provide states with greater autonomy in determining how best to support their education systems.

Congressional Summary of HR 847

Building Lasting Opportunities for Community K–12 Act or the BLOCK Act

This bill repeals on October 1, 2025, specified formula grants for programs administered by the Department of Education (ED). Beginning with FY2026, ED must instead provide block grants for these programs to each state based on amounts received in FY2025.

Specifically, the bill repeals the following allocation formulas for programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965:

  • the Education for the Disadvantaged program (which includes Basic Grants, Concentration Grants, Targeted Grants, and Education Finance Incentive Grants);
  • State Assessment Grants;
  • the Migrant Education Program;
  • Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk;
  • Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants; 
  • English Language Acquisition State Grants;
  • Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants;
  • the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program;
  • the Rural Education Achievement Program (which includes both the Small, Rural School Achievement Program and the Rural and Low-Income School Program); and
  • Indian Education Formula Grants.

Current Status of Bill HR 847

Bill HR 847 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 31, 2025. Bill HR 847 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 31, 2025.  Bill HR 847's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. as of January 31, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 847

Total Number of Sponsors
5
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
5
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
1
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 847

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 847

To repeal certain formula grants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and use such funds to award block grants to States, except as otherwise appropriated by Congress.To repeal certain formula grants under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and use such funds to award block grants to States, except as otherwise appropriated by Congress.

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4 months ago

I'm really excited about this bill! It's great to see a focus on block grants to states for education funding. This will give states more flexibility in how they use the funds to meet the needs of their students. One little known detail about this bill is that it also includes provisions for accountability measures to ensure that the funds are being used effectively. #HRBill847 #EducationFunding