Federal Education/Jobs Bill
By David Walrath
Today the United States Senate voted to move forward on legislation which contains $10 billion to assist school districts in avoiding teacher layoffs this fall. If passed, it is estimated that California could receive $1.2 billion. However, we do not know how the funds will be distributed. Districts are advised to proceed cautiously and do not commit the funds even after the President signs the bill.
The bill advanced by a vote of 61-38, which ensures the measure will pass in a full vote by the Senate on Wednesday or Thursday. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called the House of Representatives back for a special session next week for a final vote on the bill that would deliver the bill to President Barack Obama.
The state budget has not been resolved and K-12 funding could be reduced to offset new federal funds. The proposal to suspend Proposition 98 allows the state to cut school funding further and hope the federal funds replace the cut state funds.
SSDA advises schools to continue to budget at the May Revision level of state funding and not commit or spend any new federal funds until the state budget is enacted.
