Dusty Johnson: “I, along with Senators Daschle, Campbell, Cochran, and Murray introduce the Indian School Construction Act. This…”

“I, along with Senators Daschle, Campbell, Cochran, and Murray introduce the Indian School Construction Act. This legislation establishes an innovative funding mechanism to enhance the ability of Indian tribes to construct, repair, and maintain quality educational facilities. For education construction in fiscal year 2004, President Bush proposes a total of $292.6 million, the same level as was requested in FY 2003. Of this total, $131.4 million is for new school construction to replace seven trial schools on the BIA Priority List, one of those is in my home state of South Dakota. While I am pleased that seven schools will be replaced this year, there are literally dozens of schools that are in desperate need of replacement and repair. Simply, the process for replacing schools does not meet the need. American Indians have been, and continue to be disproportionately affected by both poverty and low educational achievement. The fact that children are expected to learn despite inadequate educational facilities undoubtedly contributes to this disparity. This bill provides a mechanism whereby an escrow account will be set up with a one time appropriation. Money would be placed in the escrow account and the tribal governments could use that account to issue bonds for purposes of constructing elementary and secondary schools.”