Newton Independent
Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, announced on Friday that Iowa is set to receive an additional $127.5 million in federal economic recovery act funding to assist state and local governments avoid reductions in education and other essential public services.
The $127,503,336 comes through the Department of Education's State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, a one-time appropriation included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
"This funding could not come at a better time for our state and local governments," said Harkin. "The recession has punched holes in their budgets, putting the jobs of teachers and our kids' education at risk. Communities can use this funding to keep schools open, kids learning and teachers on the job while the economy recovers and we get back on our feet."
Last year, Harkin notes, the first installment under the appropriation was used to keep 6,200 Iowa teachers in the class room. The funding announced Friday represents the second installment and can be used at the discretion of local school districts to keep their schools open and their programs functioning, he said.
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