Committee on Education and Labor : U.S. House of Representatives

Press Releases

$60 Million in Gulf Coast Education Recovery Aid to be Signed into Law
Funding Based on Legislation Introduced in March by Reps. Miller, Melancon and Jefferson

Friday, May 25, 2007

 

WASHINGTON, DC -- Legislation that will provide $60 million for schools and universities devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita was included in the emergency supplement spending bill passed by the House and Senate yesterday. The President is expected to sign the legislation soon.

"This funding will provide a much-needed infusion of resources to jump start the Gulf Coast’s educational recovery efforts," said Rep. George Miller (D-CA), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee. "For a year and a half, schools in New Orleans and its surrounding parishes have been waiting for the help they need to get back to the business of educating the thousands of students returning to the area with their families."

Incentives totaling $30 million will be available to teachers and principals who stay in or return to the New Orleans area public schools and commit to work there for at least three years.  Teachers and principals who qualify will also be eligible to receive salary bonuses, relocation and housing grants. 

In addition, higher education institutions that are still struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina would receive $30 million to help in recruiting and retaining faculty and students.  Universities that were closed for 30 days or more and continue to sustain lost revenue and enrollment would receive payments to help with faculty salaries and incentives for retaining faculty.  Also, students may be eligible for grants that choose to attend these institutions.

Rep. Miller and Reps. Charlie Melancon (D-LA) and William Jefferson (D-LA) introduced legislation in March, called the Revitalizing New Orleans by Attracting America's Leaders (RENEWAAL) Act of 2007, which would provide long-term funding to Gulf Coast schools. 

 


 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tom Kiley / Rachel Racusen
2181 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-226-0853