For Release: Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661
Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) applauded action taken today by the House Appropriations Committee to add $30 million in Impact Aid funding for heavily impacted schools as part of the Defense Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2008. The bill was introduced without funding for Impact Aid, but additional funds were added to the Labor/HHS/Education bill, which funds the vast majority of Impact Aid programs. However, the removal of the money from the Defense bill would particularly affect school districts with a large military presence, so $30 million was added back for this purpose.
"I am pleased the Committee has taken steps to correct the potential negative effects of not including this funding," said Costello, whose district is home to Scott Air Force Base. "I will be working with my colleagues as the bill proceeds to the House floor to make sure we have adequate resources for educating these students - the brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces deserve nothing less."
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