Karen Thurman: “I rise in strong support of the Green/ Johnston amendment to increase Emergency Immigrant Education Act funding to $100…”

“I rise in strong support of the Green/ Johnston amendment to increase Emergency Immigrant Education Act funding to $100 million dollars. Today, there are 700,000 immigrant students in the United States that qualify for support under the E.I.E.A. At a funding level of $40 million dollars, only 460,000 students can receive support. Even among those served, the amount of aid per student does not come close to covering actual costs. Local school systems are being forced to absorb the difference. Increasing the E.I.E.A. allotment to $100 million is an important first step, but only part of the solution. the distribution formula itself also needs to be reformed. Mr. Chairman, Floridians are very generous people, but they simply cannot continue to carry the financial burden of our Nation's immigration policies. About 150,000 foreign born students, both legal and illegal immigrants, are costing Florida $975 million each year. This is money that won't be available to improve health care, build parks, expand prison space, or make roads safer. These are all legitimate State responsibilities that are being shortchanged because of Federal immigration policies. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that all students, regardless of legal status, are entitled to a public education. I say it is about time that the Federal Government help States like Florida and others that have the largest number of immigrant students.”