Schrader Urges Congressional Leadership to Provide School Funding Immediately

Press Release

Schrader Urges Congressional Leadership to Provide School Funding Immediately

Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) sent a letter to Congressional leadership today advocating for an immediate release, upon final passage, of the education funds included in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA).

"Our schools are facing disastrous cuts," said Schrader. "The federal government has committed to easing the pain for the American people and our states. By releasing this money early we can prevent serious reductions in school days; massive layoffs of teachers and support staff and continue to provide a high quality education for Oregon's children."

Congressman Schrader has asked congressional leaders, to make federal funding intended to help schools available immediately upon passage of the recovery package. This funding is intended to help local school districts deal with the large deficits they currently face. The current House version stipulates that the money will be available on July 1st.

"This money is intended to protect our nation's schools from making serious cuts to the quality of education they provide. A July 1st release date is too late to assist our school districts who are in desperate need of funding now to complete the current school year," continued Schrader.

Oregon elected officials were quick to praise Schrader's leadership and agree with the importance of allocating the money as soon as possible.

"I applaud Congressman Schrader's leadership in recognizing the devastating decisions Oregon schools are facing," said State Superintendent Susan Castillo. "Parents, teachers, superintendents and students across Oregon are worried about the effects of this budget shortfall. My office will do everything it can to help Congressman Schrader and the Oregon delegation advocate for the immediate release of this funding," continued Castillo.

"We're facing the real possibility of school districts in Oregon ending the school year early. Making the federal dollars available now to fill the gap in our public schools budget will give the Legislature greater ability to manage the overall fiscal crisis - a crisis which will extend into the next biennium and beyond," Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney said. "As the former co-chair of the Ways and Means Committee, Congressman Schrader understands the challenges the Legislature must tackle to bring the current budget into balance in just a matter of weeks."

"It is critical for our schools and our communities to be able to use these federal dollars now when we need them most," said Oregon House Speaker Dave Hunt.

"Our students need these funds immediately," said Oregon House Majority Leader Mary Nolan. "Oregon's schools can't wait."

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