AAUW PUBLIC POLICY CONVERSATIONS – January 2026

AAUW members submitted comments to the Department of Treasury regarding the “voucher-style tax credit” system proposed in the July 4, 2025 tax and spending policies bill (“The Big Beautiful Bill”).  AAUW supports strong public schools and is especially concerned about the implications that this bill would have for our public school system where the vast majority of America students are educated.  

     There are many issues that will need our attention in 2026 as we continue our support for affordable and inclusive higher education, a strong K-12 public education system, and our opposition to using public funds for nonpublic schools.  AAUW supports curricula that is accurate, science-based, and free from censorship or bias and civil rights protections.   Of course, we stand for equity in STEM/STEAM training and stronger vocational and technical opportunities.   Our public policy stresses efforts toward pay equity, support for all caregivers, increased retirement security, and women’s health care. 

    Advocacy and legislative work is important at all three levels — Federal-level issues (such as the voucher-style tax credit issue) is communicated through National, and our State Chairperson coordinates needed action regarding Pennsylvania issues, and our members of our branch work on issues from our local perspective.   For detailed information  on policy priorities, please take a look at the AAUW National and Pennsylvania websites.  We still need a person who is interested in public policy to chair this committee and write a short piece for our Easton Edition.    Please contact one of our co-presidents if you would be interested in this very important position.  We encourage our members to write contact their legislators through letters, email, and phone calls.    We can make a difference!