Rep. Pascrell Affirms Commitment to Passing Legislation to Keep 3,900 New Jersey Teachers in Classrooms

Press Release

Days before a special Congressional session on Capitol Hill, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-8) today affirmed his commitment to support legislation that would provide more than $268 million to New Jersey to keep about 3,900 teachers throughout the state in their jobs.

"The House of Representatives approved the $10 billion Education Jobs Fund in July when it was part of another bill," said Pascrell, a House Ways and Means Committee member who taught high school history for 12 years. "If it was a good idea then, it'll be a good idea on Tuesday. The House should borrow a line from a World War II fight song for its rallying cry on Tuesday: "The House did it before and we'll do it again!' Even in the most austere times, funding for education and health care must remain top priorities. "

On Tuesday, Congress members will convene for a special session to vote on Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act. The legislation provides $10 billion to save the jobs of 140,000 teachers throughout the nation. New Jersey's share of the allocation is $268 million, which is projected to save 3,900 teaching jobs in New Jersey, according to the Council of Economic Advisors.

The $10 billion fund was originally part of the Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2010, which first passed the House on July 1. The U.S. Senate approved the fund when it passed the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act on Thursday.

The legislation to be voted upon Tuesday also includes $16.1 billion in Medicaid assistance for the states. New Jersey is expected to save nearly $400 million in Medicaid costs through the bill.

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