House funding bill eliminates essential support for educators Stephanie Hirsh, executive director of Learning Forward, issued the following statement about the recent bill outlining education funding from the Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives. I am outraged that our elected representatives would fail to listen to their constituents, who have shared for months how important Title II investments are for students. The loss of these funds will have a devastating impact in schools. Title II is critical to ensuring we have high-quality teachers and leaders prepared to help our most vulnerable students meet high expectations. Congress passed ESSA with a vision for public education that ensures equity and excellence for all students. Educators need sustained, classroom-focused professional development as redefined in ESSA to achieve