WASHINGTON, D.C.—Members of Congress and leaders from several agricultural and biofuel organizations gathered outside the Capitol today to call on the U.S. House of Representatives to pass legislation that will allow for the sale of fuel with 15% ethanol blends, often referred to as E15, all year long.

A vote is scheduled for Wednesday in the U.S. House of Representatives on H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would eliminate an outdated regulation restricting year-round sales of E15.

Several legislative supporters of the bill said now is the time to act on the legislation.

“When I first came to Congress, I made a promise to the people I represent—especially our farmers—that I would work across the aisle to deliver real results,” said Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.). “Today, we’re one step closer to providing the certainty and relief they’ve been waiting for with the passage of year-round E15. Expanding access to E15 is a win for everyone: it strengthens markets for homegrown corn, lowers costs at the pump, and supports jobs, investment, and economic growth across rural America. Now is the time to finish the job, and I urge all of my colleagues to come together and deliver this victory for the American people.”

Budzinski’s comments were echoed by her colleagues.

“Right now, Congress has the power to lower prices at the pump for consumers, expand much-needed market access for biofuel producers, and unleash America’s energy independence—all by passing my Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailers Choice Act. It is past time for Congress to do the right thing and join me in making nationwide, year-round E15 a reality,” said Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.).

“America needs year-round E15. Consumers, farmers, and working families need year-round E15. At a time when families are getting squeezed at the pump and farmers are facing uncertainty from every direction, this is one of the clearest bipartisan wins in front of Congress. Year-round E15 means more homegrown American energy, lower costs, and stronger markets. I’m proud to stand with colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this issue and it’s time for Congress to get this done,” said House Agriculture Committee Vice Ranking Member Rep. Shontel Brown (D-Ohio).

“Permanent year-round E15 availability provides lower costs at the pump, provides more domestic markets for our farmers and ethanol producers, and ensures America can move toward energy independence again,” said Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa). “I have always been a strong advocate for Iowans and for ensuring our families, farmers, and producers are represented at the policy table. Passing legislation that provides the certainty of year-round E15 will promote homegrown energy that supports our farmers and rural energy producers. I am grateful to my colleagues, industry leaders, and the farmers who have stood behind this effort. The vote on this legislation will end over a decade of Washington gridlock and address the critical needs of the American farmer. I am proud to support legislation that ensures families can fill up their tanks with lower-cost fuel, while providing our farmers with an expanded market for their products. From the field to the fuel pump, this policy provides a pathway to promote American energy dominance while reducing costs for families.”

“Year-round E15 is a commonsense win for farmers and for families facing high gas prices. We should be expanding markets for American agriculture, not creating more delays or uncertainty through political games or unnecessary studies. I’ll keep working to get this done and finally deliver certainty for our producers and lower prices at the pump,” said Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.). 

“The benefits of year-round E15 are clear: lower prices for American families, consistent markets for our framers, and increased energy independence,” said Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.). “It’s time we pass this legislation and finally provide the permanent, common-sense certainty our farmers and drivers deserve.”

A farmer also spoke about the benefits of E15 during the press conference.

“Corn farmers want to sell their products at a fair price in the marketplace, and year-round E15 grows that market for us,” said Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Jed Bower. “Expanding access to E15 helps create a stronger, more reliable domestic market for corn. It’s a practical way to help absorb U.S. corn supply and boost demand for ethanol and for corn.”

E15, sometimes seen as UNL 88 at the pump, can be used in all cars made in 2001 and newer, representing  96% of the vehicles on the road today. The fuel blend can save consumers up to 30 cents per gallon on average and estimates show that it could save drivers more than $150 million this summer alone.

Several people at the press conference pointed to the economic hardships facing farmers as well as rising gas prices as reasons to pass the legislation.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, “Year-round E15 is a win-win for drivers and farmers. Ethanol blended fuels offer substantial savings at the pump and create vital markets for farmers who are struggling with historically low corn prices. This is an opportunity for Congress to address several important issues with one piece of legislation.”

“Gas prices are at their highest level in four years, and families need relief now,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Year-round E15 will deliver more savings for more Americans, and it can do so right away. If we’re serious about lowering fuel prices nationwide, we need a permanent solution that expands access to E15 across the U.S., instead of in just a few regions.”

“With a vote within reach, family farmers are counting on Congress to deliver year-round, nationwide E15,” said Rob Larew, president of the National Farmers Union. “This is commonsense, bipartisan policy that puts more American-grown fuel in the tank, strengthens rural economies, and brings real relief at the pump for families feeling the pinch of higher energy costs. A vote for E15 is a vote for farmers, consumers, and energy independence. We urge lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to get it done.”

Others emphasized the hard work that has gone into getting the legislation across the finish line.

“Allowing year-round nationwide access to E15 would help lower pump prices at a time when American families really need that relief,” said Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “This legislation represents a compromise that was carefully negotiated by lawmakers, farmers, ethanol producers, fuel retailers, oil refiners, and many others across the supply chain. It has broad-based support, and now is the time to get this done.”

“This has been a long-running issue, National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust noted. “But the important thing is that momentum is still there. The legislation is now moving forward on its own track, and there is a real opportunity to finally get this done.”

The post Leaders Cite Economic Hardship, Gas Prices as They Call for E15 Passage appeared first on Growth Energy.

Tony and Ryan discuss takeaways from the ACT EXPO this past week in Las Vegas, which took a deep dive into clean fuel choices, autonomous vehicles, robotics in manufacturing, electrification interest and more.

Director of Transportation Anthony Jackson joins us to discuss the operational, cost and health benefits of propane usage at Bibb County School District in Georgia.

Read more about green buses.

This episode is brought to you by Transfinder.

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Stream, subscribe and download the School Transportation Nation podcast on Apple Podcasts, Deezer, iHeartRadio, Spotify and YouTube.

The post (STN Podcast E306) Sci-Fi School Bus? ACT EXPO Takeaways on Tech, Robots, Propane & More appeared first on School Transportation News.

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill.- Durham School Services, a premier student transportation provider, has been selected by the Community Consolidated School District 59 (CCSD59) as their new student transportation partner. Durham will begin serving the school district this summer through July 2029.

This latest joining of hands between Durham and CCSD59 comes off the heels of another recent partnership announcement made earlier this year with Glenbard Township High School District 87 – further marking significant advancement in Durham’s presence in Illinois. With the addition of CCSD59, Durham now proudly supports over 422 schools throughout Illinois.

Durham will run a total of 74 routes for the school district, which will include regular, special education, and summer routes with its fleet of 86 buses

Each bus will be outfitted with industry leading operational and safety technology such as Seon video surveillance cameras to boost safety monitoring of students, Zonar’s fleet management platform for real-time GPS tracking and pre and post trip safety inspections, Samsara’s AI enabled dash cameras to improve driver responsiveness and safety along each route, and BusZone bus tracking app to give parents and guardians full visibility into their student’s bus location, route changes, and arrival time.

“CCSD59 is excited to partner with Durham School Services. The safety of our students remains our top priority, and we are confident Durham shares this commitment to student well-being and care. We look forward to working together to provide safe, reliable, and on-time transportation service for our students and families, supported by clear and consistent communication,” said Dr. Brett Gallini, Superintendent of Schools, CCSD59. “Work is already underway to ensure a smooth and successful start to the new school year. We appreciate Durham’s proactive approach to staffing, including the hiring of current transportation employees, which will help support a seamless transition for our community. We are confident in this partnership and the positive impact it will have on our students and families.”

“Another incredible job by our team in successfully forging this new relationship with CCSD59 and proving our Company’s position once again as the premier student transportation leader that school districts choose to trust and rely on,” said Tim Wertner, CEO, Durham School Services. “Safety is a value embedded into every aspect of our Company’s operations and decision-making, just as it is for CCSD59. We understand the careful, thorough consideration and thought process that goes into choosing the right transportation provider who will unequivocally put safety and reliability first and are honored that CCSD59 has chosen our team to carry out such an important responsibility. Our team is confident in living up to and exceeding the district’s expectations in delivering both a successful start-up and school year. We look forward to serving CCSD59 students and the community with the utmost care, commitment to safety, and dependability they can count on each and every day.”

For those interested in becoming a local community hero by supporting their community and students, we encourage you to consider joining the Durham team and stopping by our upcoming hiring event, which will take place on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 8:30am – 2:30pm at 1000 Wellington Ave, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. We offer paid CDL training, a sign-on bonus, ride-along program, health and dental insurance, and more. You can also learn more about other available opportunities on our careers page.

About Durham School Services
As a premier transportation provider, Durham School Services provides safe, reliable student transportation that communities trust and families depend on, backed by our operational discipline, local commitment, proven safety standards, and clear accountability. Our teams bring deep expertise and shared accountability to every route we operate. Driven by our five values: Safety, Care, Transparency, Communities, and Culture, we deliver transportation that works quietly, consistently, and without disruption.

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The STN EXPO West conference is not only an educational experience, but the six-day conference features a variety of networking events that facilitate conversations and connections impacting the industry.

The conference opens Thursday, July 9 with a kickoff reception at the Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada. EverDriven will co-sponsor the event with School Transportation News as attendees enjoy appetizers and beverages. This event allows attendees to begin networking and set the stage for an impactful experience over the course of the week.

Saturday night features the Welcome Party at EDGE Nightclub, a dynamic and exciting evening. Geotab and Transfinder will be sponsoring a “Great Gatsby” themed event with food, drinks and live entertainment. Attendees can mingle with outdoor fireside discussions or enjoy signature beverages in an environment that sets the energy for an impactful conference.

The unique networking experiences continue Sunday night with the Ride and Drive/Live Technology Demonstration. The evening event blends summertime themes with an ideal setting for student transportation professionals to test the latest electric, propane and low-emission school bus models as well as connect with vendors showcasing technology solutions. Our title sponsor for the Ride and Drive the Bus Technology Summit and Green Bus Summit event is RIDE. A full sponsor list can be found on the conference website.

Day 1 of the Wonderland of Ideas Trade Show begins Monday, July 13 with the Trade Show Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, sponsored by Safety Vision. Attendees will be ushered onto a uniquely enchanting trade show floor providing the perfect atmosphere to unwind, network, and foster meaningful relationships with peers and industry contacts.

On Day 2, the conversations continue with a three-hour Trade Show event that will allow attendees to meet manufacturers, OEMs and suppliers with the products and technology options that can improve efficiency and safety at transportation operations. Lunch will be served on the trade show floor. Find the full list of exhibitors.

If you are looking to take your student transportation operations and professional development to the next level, you will not want to miss STN EXPO West.

The Early Bird Deadline ends on June 5, register now to save $100 on main conference registration. STN EXPO West will be held July 9-15 at the Peppermill Resort in Reno, Nevada. The conference will feature hands-on training classes, educational sessions, a dynamic keynote presentation and networking opportunities. Register now at stnexpo.com/west.

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Related: School Bus Fuel Innovation, Technology Education Meet at STN EXPO West
Related: WATCH: Exclusive Leadership Event Summons Transportation Leaders for Networking, Professional Development
Related: Turkel to Uncover Secrets of Communicating Relevance at STN EXPO West

The post STN EXPO West Features Dynamic Networking Events for Student Transportation Industry appeared first on School Transportation News.

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On his way out of office, Gov. Tony Evers has negotiated a school funding and tax cut bill with his fellow retirees, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos. Call it a retirement celebration for three soon-to-be-ex politicians. Evers is promoting a big bump in school funding in the “blockbuster” deal and urging Democrats to vote for it. But the most joyful celebrants of this sudden windfall are Republican legislators, who have taken to calling it the “big, beautiful, bipartisan bill” —  a not-so-subtle echo of Trump’s triumphant name for the massive tax cut and spending bill he jammed through Congress.

Wisconsin Democrats are less than thrilled. On the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee, the “blockbuster” proposal passed on a straight party-line vote, as Erik Gunn reports, with all of the Republicans on the committee voting in favor and all the Democrats voting against it. The bill is not so much a blockbuster as a budget-buster, said Joint Finance Democrats Deb Andraca (D-Whitefish Bay), Kelda Roys (D-Madison) and Tip McGuire (D-Kenosha). 

The problem with the legislation, according to its critics, is that it consists largely of one-time expenditures – including a temporary infusion of cash to schools and $300 checks to be mailed to Wisconsin state taxpayers — that will drain state coffers of about $2.9 billion after the whole package of proposals is paid out. While it effectively erases the state’s budget surplus, it won’t fix the structural problems with the way the state consistently underfunds schools and leaves property taxpayers to pick up the bill, or with the growing drain created by an expanding system of taxpayer-subsidized private schools, which will also get more money through this deal. Meanwhile, it creates the very real possibility that new legislative leaders and a new governor will be staring at a nearly $3 billion revenue hole when they begin to work on the next state budget, in an uncertain economic time.

The plan does include a burst of state funding for special education – sorely needed and, as Evers underscores, a big boost from current levels to a projected 50% reimbursement in the final year of the current budget cycle to school districts across the state. Evers’ office put out a comprehensive list of school districts and the millions in new money they will receive. The deal also allocates $350 million to bring down property taxes. And it eliminates taxes on tips and overtime, in keeping with Trump’s new federal policy. These are all popular proposals, and they provide a shot of relief to stressed and strapped school districts and taxpayers.

But advocacy organizations you would expect to embrace the governor’s move to increase funding for special ed have come out against the deal. 

“People with disabilities depend on programs and services that get state and federal funding,” Sydney Badeau, chair of the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities, said in a statement on the deal. “Spending down Wisconsin’s savings and reducing income when the state is already not providing enough funding to cover actual costs means there will be even less money next budget to pay for the programs people need. Less savings and less income means budget cuts next cycle at a time when many state programs, services, and infrastructure need more investment.”  

Kids Forward, the statewide antiracist policy center, also opposes the deal, saying it “relies on one-time money to paper over long-term challenges, all while legislators preparing to leave office pass the responsibility — and the blame — onto future lawmakers and families across Wisconsin.”

Meanwhile, Republicans are already turning the deal into campaign talking points on their most challenging issue – affordability

“Folks need help now,” declared Joint Finance Committee Co-Chair Rep. Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam), adding that inflation has been a problem “for at least five years,” a spin on voters’ cost-of-living worries that conveniently avoids the Trump administration’s responsibility for surging gas prices and massive healthcare cuts, which are dragging down state Republicans as they campaign this year.

Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) touted the deal in a Tuesday press conference, saying Republicans have always been better stewards of the economy, and it was because of their wise leadership that Wisconsin built up a budget surplus in the first place (mostly by abandoning the state’s obligation to fund public schools). Now, she declared, it’s time to give all that money back to the taxpayers – “it’s their money” and rightfully belongs to individuals, she said, not “progressive politicians in Madison.” This is the drown-the-government-in-the-bathtub philosophy at work – defund schools and hand out checks to individuals. It works best if you are extremely wealthy and don’t mind trading in public education and other forms of public infrastructure for a pay-as-you-go system where you spend your own cash for private education, private health care and private security.  

Nedweski rolled directly into campaign mode, declaring that the benefits to taxpayers in the deal “would all be at risk” if the Democrats win control of the Legislature next year.

Without a doubt, Evers has handed Republicans a massive election-year gift.

Democrats, if they do manage to win legislative majorities – which has seemed more and more likely as Republicans flee the Capitol in droves, including some who represent key, swing districts — would be in a much stronger negotiating position than Evers is now. Instead of a one-time boost in school funding and a flurry of tax-rebate checks, they could recommit to guaranteed state funding for public education, as a lawsuit brought by students, parents and teachers argues they must under the state constitution. 

Now, as the national economy is in turmoil, they will confront the next budget cycle with a looming $2.9 billion hole – the budget surplus blown by a bunch of guys who are heading out of office and won’t have to worry about what comes next.

It was one thing for Evers to wrangle with Republicans and try to claw back funding for schools when the GOP-led Legislature was single-mindedly determined to block his every move. It’s a different matter to trade away the bulk of the state’s budget surplus now, in the waning days of his term, with everything up in the air.

The lack of communication between Evers and members of his own party has rankled Democrats for a long time. But the deal he is pushing to a reluctant Democratic caucus and delighted Republicans is a blow both politically and, more importantly, to the future health of the state. 

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Wisconsin Department of Corrections Secretary Jared Hoy read the names of 10 prison and community corrections workers described as seriously injured in the line of duty in 2025. 

“We work in close contact with a sometimes challenging population, and the only thing keeping it from being more dangerous is the professionalism and dedication of you and your colleagues,” Hoy said during the 2026 Secretary’s Awards ceremony last week at the Mitby Theater at Madison College, honoring standout staff. 

Among those recognized were the department’s legislative director, an officer who has grown fresh produce used in a facility kitchen and the New Lisbon Correctional Institution treatment team for restricted housing — where an incarcerated person may be sent as punishment for a violation.

The department’s first Corey Proulx award was named for a youth counselor who died in 2024 after a teen attacked him at the Lincoln Hills youth prison. Proulx’s death had a tremendous impact on the department, Hoy said. 

Hoy said that Lincoln Hills staff have created an area at Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake Schools for contemplation and reflection in Proulx’s honor, which “is beautiful and it just centers you.”

“As much as Corey’s death impacted us, his life meant so much more … Corey said, quote, ‘If I could make a difference in just one youth’s life, it will be worth it,’” Hoy said. “This award honors an employee who lives that philosophy every day.” 

A treatment specialist at the minimum-security Chippewa Valley Correctional Treatment Facility received the award. The facility aims to treat substance abuse and related issues, preparing people to re-enter their communities, the DOC’s website says. 

“When our clients feel loved, heard, respected and understood, it shows them that the world is not as harsh of a place as they thought,” Hoy said. “It gives them hope for their future and the ability to advocate for themselves.” 

Hoy also recognized staff who were honored with a lifesaving and valor award. 

“So what does this look like day to day?” Hoy said. “I’m talking about the staff at the La Crosse [probation and parole] office who leapt into action when a six-week-old premature baby stopped breathing. They delivered first aid to the infant, called 911 and kept calm. The baby recovered after a short hospital stay.”

Hoy said that at Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility, staff saw a person trying to climb a fence overlooking a 16-foot drop onto Interstate 43. The team helped the person off the fence and to safety, “stopping what would have likely been a successful suicide attempt,” Hoy said. 

As they were securing the first person, they saw another person climbing the fence across the street, Hoy said, and the team escorted that person back to safety as well. 

Senior probation and parole agent Amanda Herson received a safety award for her work on a situation involving a person who stalked a young woman at a technical college in Green Bay, according to an account of events announced by an awards ceremony emcee. 

That person was a client of Herson’s on correctional supervision in the community. Herson conducted a lengthy investigation into the stalking, which took place over two different semesters. 

Law enforcement was initially not interested in investigating, but Herson’s advocacy led to law enforcement seeing the severity of the stalking behaviors, the emcee said. 

Herson’s client, who was already on supervision for stalking multiple minors and an adult, was eventually charged with a new stalking offense.

“Agent Herson dedicated significant time to ensure the victim was safe and had a voice,” the emcee said. 

Eric Weigel has been a correctional officer with the DOC for over 22 years, according to a nomination read by an event emcee. He won a SALUTE (Service, Awareness, Leadership, Uniqueness, Team and Excellence) award in the category of “uniqueness.”

Weigel is currently the New Lisbon Correctional Institution horticulture officer, or “the garden guy.” As the horticulture officer for the past 10 years, he grew an average of 25,000 pounds of fresh produce per season, which was used in the institution kitchen for staff, meals for the incarcerated and reduced food costs. 

Weigel maintains a partnership between the New Lisbon prison and a national wildlife refuge, which he provides with native wildflower seeds. He’s one of the “very few” people at the prison who can perform all the duties of every single traditional post in the institution and do it “flawlessly,” and incarcerated people and staff listen to him and respect what he has to say, the emcee said.

Department of Corrections leadership made stops across the state last week. May 3-9 is recognized as Correctional Employees Week. 

Hoy said people who work in DOC institutions “know there’s one hot topic out there right now, and that is commutations.”

Last month, Gov. Tony Evers ordered the creation of a commutations advisory board, signaling that he is willing to consider reducing the sentences of incarcerated people in Wisconsin who meet certain criteria. Hoy said he spoke with a records supervisor who told him her office will get two to three requests for records reviews every week from incarcerated people, but they had gotten a hundred in the last week. 

Hoy said the supervisor told him that if their extra work meant one or two men at the facility “might have an opportunity for a second chance and to sort of take back their life, that it would all be worth it.”

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