WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators (NHCSL) President Joseph E. Miro (DE) and the legislative membership of the NHCSL representing more than 30 states in the United States and Puerto Rico, today join in their support of NEA's most recent release, urging the Senate to consider investing in schools and education as "good economics." Education is one of the main policy priorities of the NHCSL, and as such, NHCSL Hispanic state legislators have been working tirelessly to champion this effort in their respective states. In these challenging economic times, the organization is speaking out as one voice and sending its message to the Senate to ensure advocacy on behalf of the constituents represented individually and collectively by these Hispanic state legislators.
"It has been a pivotal time in America most recently," said NHCSL President Miro, "not simply because the nation's poorest struggle to survive in hundreds of disadvantaged communities around the country, but mainly because the most serious economic crisis in recent memory has brought hardship and turmoil across all segments of society." Rep. Miro added that, "The NHCSL will continue to advocate and legislate in a manner that will require bold action to positively impact our constituents."
Currently, the Senate is debating the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a two-year, $850 billion economic package, including $150 billion aimed at infusing federal funds into the nation's schools, colleges, states and communities, to cope with the worst economic and financial crisis in generations. The House passed a similar version in late January.
At this time, schools are reporting record numbers of homeless students or students who qualify for free school meals. Likewise, there are record numbers of students in need of academic necessities like books, backpacks and supplies. A recent study found that at least 41 states faced, or are facing, shortfalls in their budgets for this year and/or the next. At least 16 states are cutting or proposing cuts in K-12 and early education. Another 17 states have implemented or proposed cuts to public colleges and universities. These are devastating blows to the state of education in America.
"The NHCSL has ranked the economic crisis the #1 priority for our members and their constituents. As such, we urge the Senate to work diligently towards a quick passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Specifically, the NHCSL agrees that investing in schools makes good sense for our economy and will ensure the best possible public schools for all students," concluded Rep. Miro.
According to recent media reports, school districts throughout the country have already begun cutting back. For example, New York City will face a loss of 15,000 teachers, and in Los Angeles another 2,300 loss is anticipated, unless federal support is provided to these districts. A school district near St. Louis has already begun by laying off several hundred teachers.
The Senate economic package includes $79 billion in targeted funds to take pressure off state budgets and avoid further layoffs of teachers and education support professionals; $16 billion for public school modernization; $13.9 billion to increase the Federal Pell Grant by $500 and $6 billion for higher education modernization; $13 billion for Title I services to provide extra reading and math services to educationally disadvantaged students; and $13 billion to help school districts provide services to students with disabilities.
"By applying targeted federal funds to state budgets and local school districts, we can work towards mitigating devastating cuts to critical education programs and loss of thousands of education professionals," said Rep. Miro. He concluded by stating that " ... the country as a whole recognizes the importance of getting the economy back on the right track, but NHCSL does not support any effort that would do so at the expense of education. What we do urge is the timely passage of a recovery package that will save jobs and will take pressure off state budgets already stretched too thin to start with."
The NHCSL is the premier national association of Hispanic state legislators working to design and implement policies and procedures that will improve the quality of life for Hispanics throughout the country. NHCSL was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 with the mission to be the most effective voice for the more than 300 Hispanic legislators. For more information visit http://www.nhcsl.org.
Contact:
Tatiana Guerra
(202) 434-8070
