Afterschool for All Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Goldman, Daniel S. [D-NY-10]
- Committees
- Ways and Means Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 4, 2026
Bottom line
The bill dramatically increases federal funding for afterschool programs by raising the corporate tax rate, aiming to expand access to educational and developmental opportunities for students nationwide.
What it actually does
This bill reauthorizes and significantly expands the Nita M. Lowey Community Learning Centers program, increasing its annual authorization from $1 billion to $10 billion for fiscal years 2026 through 2035. It also renames the program and proposes to fund this expansion by raising the corporate income tax rate from 21% to 22%.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill provides crucial, long-term investment in afterschool programs, which are vital for student academic achievement, social-emotional development, and providing safe environments, especially for underserved communities. They contend that the increased corporate tax rate is a responsible and equitable way to fund this essential public good, ensuring corporations contribute to the societal infrastructure that supports their future workforce.
Opponents contend
Opponents may argue that increasing the corporate tax rate could harm economic competitiveness, discourage domestic investment, and potentially lead to slower job growth or higher consumer prices. They might also question the overall effectiveness or administrative capacity for such a large-scale expansion of afterschool programs.
The bill is very short and clearly structured, allowing for quick comprehension of its core provisions and their implications.
Section 2(a)
Reauthorization and Enhanced Funding for Nita M. Lowey Community Learning Centers Program
This provision amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize $10,000,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2035 for the Nita M. Lowey Community Learning Centers program. This represents a tenfold increase from the previous authorization of $1,000,000,000 for fiscal years 2017-2020, with funds remaining available until expended.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this substantial increase in funding is essential to meet the growing demand for high-quality afterschool programs, which are proven to improve student outcomes, provide safe environments, and support working families. They emphasize that the long-term reauthorization ensures stability and allows for strategic planning and expansion.
Critics contend
Critics may argue that while afterschool programs are valuable, a tenfold increase in federal funding may be excessive or could lead to administrative challenges in rapidly scaling up quality programs. Concerns might also be raised about the overall cost to taxpayers or the effectiveness of such a large federal investment.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the recognized need for expanded afterschool support with the significant fiscal commitment required. It aims to address educational and social needs but at a substantially increased federal cost.
Section 2(b)
Renaming the Community Learning Centers Program
This section amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to remove '21st century' from the program's name, effectively renaming the '21st Century Community Learning Centers' program to simply 'Community Learning Centers'. This is a minor administrative change to the program's title.
Section 2(c)
Increase in Corporate Income Tax Rate
This provision amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the corporate income tax rate from 21% to 22%. This change is intended to provide the revenue necessary to fund the expanded Nita M. Lowey Community Learning Centers program and will apply to taxable years beginning after the date of the bill's enactment.