Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced Texas will receive funding for education-related needs, as well as additional support to local school districts. The U.S. Department of Education will obligate funds today, allowing the Texas Education Agency (TEA) access to the funds. The state “will quickly make all funding available to Texas school districts” as stated on TEA’s application to the U.S. Department of Education. The funding will create and retain education-related jobs in the 28th District of Texas and throughout the state. The 28^th District’s schools will receive $44,258,038 in federal funds.

“In a time when most school districts across the state are faced with looming budget shortfalls, we must keep high quality teachers in our Texas classrooms. I worked tirelessly to ensure this funding reached our classrooms,” Congressman Cuellar said. “Our Texas schoolchildren are our most important asset - we must look out for their educational needs and interests at all times.”

During the 111th Congress, H.R. 1586, now Public Law 111-226, included the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act to help save education jobs ranging from states to individual schools. The law allocated $10 billion in federal funds to support education jobs this academic school year, including $830 million for Texas schools. These education dollars will keep classrooms staffed with teachers and other necessary education resources. The funds will be distributed according to the state formula of Title I funding.

“I have heard from teachers, school administrators, parents and students who have expressed a dire need for adequate funding and support of Texas schools,” Congressman Cuellar said. “These funds will help as students prepare for final exams and teachers assemble their lesson plans for next year. I stand by every child, teacher, parent, support staff, school administrator and community leader as we work together to provide the resources to give our children the best education possible.”

The National Education Agency estimates that 138,000 education jobs will be saved nationally. According to the Department of Education, Texas will save more than 13,200 jobs. Jobs funded under this program include those that provide educational and related services for early childhood, elementary, and secondary education.

###

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Homeland Security and Agriculture Committees. Job creation, accessibility to constituents, education, economic development, and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Vice Chairman of the Steering and Policy Committee, Senior Whip, and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Sign up to receive Congressman Cuellar’s E-mail Newsletters

Click here for Congressman Cuellar's Facebook, RSS Feed, Or YouTube Channel