The ATPE Governmental Relations team recaps the past week’s education news, legislative and election updates, and regulatory developments.

• President Biden signs the Social Security Fairness Act into law, repealing the GPO and WEP
• Are you ready for the 89th Legislature? Sign up for ATPE-MAP
• Explore the ATPE Legislative Program using our new search tool
• Remembering President Jimmy Carter’s education legacy
• Prepare for Martin Luther King Jr. Day with these classroom resources

SOCIAL SECURITY: The new year had a fantastic start when President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (SSFA) into law Jan. 5. The SSFA, H.R. 82, is bipartisan legislation that officially repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), two provisions in Social Security law that unfairly reduced benefits for some public servants, including most Texas public educators. ATPE and its allies had advocated for repeal of these offsets for more than 40 years. It will take some time for the Social Security Administration to release details on implementation of H.R. 82, and ATPE will report news as it becomes available. In the meantime, enjoy the video of the bill signing ceremony included in this blog post by ATPE Lobbyist Heather Sheffield.

89TH TXLEGE: The 89th Texas Legislature convenes Jan. 14, and the first week of the session is already shaping up to be dramatic as no clear frontrunner has emerged in the race for House Speaker. We know that public education issues will be hotly debated, so it’s critical for ATPE members to take advantage of one of our newest member benefits, the ATPE Member Advocate Program (ATPE-MAP). This online course—included with your membership—will empower you to more effectively advocate for your profession and your students. Plus, ATPE-MAP participants earn continuing professional education (CPE) credit and can earn state- and local-level advocacy microcredentials. The state-level module is available now, and completing the state-level microcredential unlocks your eligibility to participate in ATPE Capitol Expeditions, which are replacing the ATPE at the Capitol/Lobby Day in-person advocacy events of past years. Find enrollment information at atpe.org/member-advocate-program and start earning your microcredential today!

LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM: The 2024 ATPE House of Delegates adopted a comprehensive reorganization of the ATPE Legislative Program, as well as added a preamble statement to the program. We are excited to launch a new search tool members and the public can use to explore the 42 positions in this member-written document. Type keywords into the search tool to look for specific positions, or sort the program by position title or section. (Note: We recommend using this tool on tablet or computer vs. a mobile device.) Check out the Legislative Program Search today.

CARTER: Thursday was the culmination of President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral, and over on atpenews.org we’ve taken a look back at Carter’s enduring educational legacy, which includes signing the bill that established the U.S. Department of Education in 1979. ATPE extends its deepest sympathies to the Carter family.

MLK DAY: Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Jan. 20 this year, and to help you prepare for commemorating the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with your students, we’ve published a roundup of relevant education resources on atpenews.org, along with a list of key TEKS connected to the civil rights leader. ATPE members, please log in to the new ATPE Online Community to share your ideas for observing MLK Day.