CAES News
Letter: NEA Supports DOER Educational Provision
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Download Word copy of this letter
Dear Representative:
On behalf of the National Education Association's (NEA) 2.8 million members, we would like to express our support for a provision in the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act (H.R. 4761) that would provide $50 million to continue the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. This funding marks a critical first step in ensuring an uninterrupted, guaranteed funding stream for schools and communities in timber-dependent counties.
The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act has made a real difference for schools in rural, timber-dependent counties, by ensuring them a consistent funding stream. The program has been an enormous success, providing essential funding to over 4,400 rural schools. Prior to implementation of this program, schools in forest counties were in crisis, experiencing dramatic reductions in funding. The program has restored critical educational services for students in rural schools and prevented the closure of numerous isolated rural schools.
The program is set to expire at the end of the year. Unless Congress reauthorizes the program and provides for continued funding, impacted communities will see a dramatic reduction in educational opportunities for their children, as well as a significant loss of funds for vital services such as road maintenance and search and rescue.
We urge the House to retain this important provision as part of H.R. 4761.
Sincerely,
Diane Shust
Director of Government Relations
Randall Moody
Manager of Federal Policy and Politics