"The two have obvious benefits – we want our children to have the education they need to become successful, and we want the jobs and economic opportunities that come with improved transportation.  But I say neither of these investments can be truly successful without the other.

"What happens if we give our children the best education and training possible, and they find themselves ready to take on the world – only there are no job opportunities for such a highly educated and highly skilled workforce?  That investment will simply find another state to work in.

"Likewise, what if we pave Arkansas with roads that connect us to the far corners of our country and beyond, if we build magnificent ports to import and export so that industries and companies decide to locate here, but then find no local workforce?   All of that payroll potential will go to out-of-state workers.

"It is our job now to work together to ensure success in both of these areas.  I was pleased to work with the Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative, that this week received continued funding for Americorps, a team that works with our schoolchildren.  I also brought Congressman Jim Oberstar (MN-8), ranking member of the Transportation Committee, down to Arkansas last week to see just how badly our transportation projects need federal funding.  It is through successes like these that we can continue to build better minds, better roads, and a better economic future."

“This is great news for Southeast Arkansas,” Ross said.  “The AmeriCorps team has demonstrated impressive work in its early years working with schoolchildren in the area, this funding is vital to the continuation of that service to our children.” 

The original application submitted by SEARK was denied funding by the Corporation.  However, SEARK resubmitted the grant application taking into consideration the Corporation’s concerns.  Upon resubmission, Ross strongly urged his support for restoration of this funding based on the positive impact the programs have had in his district.  The Arkansas Smart Start program will receive grant funding of $257, 090 each year for the next three years. 

 “The Arkansas Smart Start Governor’s Initiative Program is providing essential services to create opportunities through education to the most vulnerable children.  This program has had a substantial impact on the communities it serves - many of which are low-income, rural communities - and this funding will help to continue the progress it has made.