May 22, 2007

We have an opportunity in the U.S. Senate to take steps towards obtaining a dedicated funding stream for the Jacob Javits Gifted & Talented Students Education Act - the only Federal legislation addressing the needs of students with gifts and talents.

Senator Charles Grassley (Iowa) is working to amend the immigration reform bill to create a dedicated revenue stream for the Javits program at a significant increase over what the program has received in the past ($30 million vs. $9.6 million).

Please call your U.S. Senators to urge them to support gifted and talented children by supporting Senator Grassley's amendment number 1156 to the immigration bill.

The amendment increases the H-1B visa fees that employers currently pay to bring overseas highly skilled talent into the U.S. and directs the funds derived from the increase toward developing domestic talent through the Jacob Javits Gifted and Talented Students Act. 

Due to time constraints, we are asking you to call your Senators in support of the Grassley 1156 amendment.  CEC and NAGC have prepared talking points for your phone calls accessible by going to:  http://capwiz.com/cek/callalert/index.tt?alertid=9798951

Please be prepared to leave a message as congressional staff are very busy with the immigration bill.