Hawaii to Receive more than $115 Million in Education Money for Fiscal Year 2011

Statement

Hawaii will receive $115,257,706 in federal funds for education this fiscal year including more than $39 million for education programs targeting children living with disabilities and more than $47 million for the improvement of existing state programs, Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Senator Daniel K. Akaka, U.S. Rep. Mazie K. Hirono and U.S. Rep. Colleen Hanabusa announced today.

The funds were appropriated for Fiscal Year 2011 and are distributed by the U.S. Department of Education.

Hawaii will receive $39,562,879 through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and $75,694,627 through 10 grant programs administered by the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) at the U.S. Department of Education.

Close to 18,000 Hawaii students in kindergarten through twelfth grade receive services paid for by the IDEA Act.

"I am pleased that Hawaii will receive its share of federal funds that are essential to the education of children living with disabilities. We must provide for the unique needs of all children and these funds will help maintain and improve Hawaii's education system. By providing our young people with access to a quality education we are investing in a successful future for our community," said Senator Inouye.

"At a time when many states are tightening budgets, these crucial funds will allow Hawaii schools to continue programs to meet the needs of students with disabilities," said Senator Akaka. "All keiki deserve a quality education."

"All Hawaii's children deserve the chance to reach their full potential," said Congresswoman Hirono, member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. "Close to 18,000 students in Hawaii, grades K-12, receive IDEA services. Investments in education like this will help children with disabilities succeed in school and will pay off in the long run for our families and communities."

"All children deserve a quality education - these funds will help ensure students with disabilities receive the special services and educational assistance they need to succeed in their studies. I will continue to work hard to provide all the federal assistance I can to help educate Hawaii's keiki," said Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa.

Source