William Helms: “this amendment will help address the critical educational needs of the children of the fine soldiers and airmen serving…”

“this amendment will help address the critical educational needs of the children of the fine soldiers and airmen serving at Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina. Across America, many communities surrounding major military installations are at a great disadvantage by having large numbers of military-connected schoolchildren, yet they receive nowhere near adequate impact aid. Harnett County in North Carolina is one of them. Harnett County is a relatively rural, agricultural county; that has experienced tremendous growth in its military-connected student population during the last decade. Many soldiers stationed at Fort Bragg, and airmen assigned to Pope Air Force Base, have found a home in Harnett County because of its peaceful quality of life, its proximity to the bases and many other desirable aspects. According to one housing developer, 98 percent of the families buying in his community are military families. Harnett County has welcomed these newcomers but, in so doing, has struggled for the past several years to provide the basic services required to accommodate this burgeoning population. Mr. President, Harnett County's schools have been especially impacted by this influx of military dependents. Recent years have seen thousands of students added to the rolls of Harnett County's school system. This growth has resulted in severe overcrowding in Harnett County schools.”