Gov. Freudenthal Declines to Apply for Funding Under the Education Jobs Fund Program

Press Release

Governor Dave Freudenthal today notified the U.S. Department of Education that he would not apply for funding under the Education Jobs Fund Program, citing the narrow latitude which the Program affords to states as a significant barrier to effective distribution of the new resources in Wyoming.

"Under the provisions of the Program, Wyoming will not be allowed to direct the dollars to areas with the greatest need," the Governor said in his letter. "In addition, because the Program offers one-time funding, the state cannot ensure the sustainability of this additional school spending," he wrote.

Gov. Freudenthal noted Wyoming's K-12 education system is fully-funded so the most effective use of the $17,533,686 would be for one-time funds where they would make a significant, lasting impact rather than an allocation through a general distribution. "With this in mind, I decline the opportunity to apply for funding under the Education Jobs Fund Program," Freudenthal said.

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