Angie Craig: “I support the Smith and Burns amendments and take just a few minutes to address both issues which are truly an…”

“I support the Smith and Burns amendments and take just a few minutes to address both issues which are truly an emergency. First, Mr. Smith has filed an amendment to extend the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act for 1 year. Without a one year extension, the 780 counties that benefit from the Act will face difficult funding decisions regarding the next school year. This act expired September 30th of this year and the last payment is in the process of being made. Without this funding, school districts will have to decide what programs should be cut in order to make ends meet. For many districts this will include the decision of which schools to keep open and which schools to close. We are about to experience an emergency in our schools if funding is not addressed. The act has been an enormous success in achieving and even surpassing the goals of Congress. This act has restored programs for students in rural schools and prevented the closure of numerous isolated rural schools. It has been a primary funding mechanism to provide rural school students with educational opportunities comparable to suburban and urban students. Over 4,400 rural schools receive funds because of this act.”