Rep. Obernolte cosponsors bill to improve Impact Aid, support public schools impacted by federal activity
U.S. Congressman Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia) has cosponsored H.R. 5255, the Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act, to ensure public schools impacted by federal activity, including schools on or near military bases, on reservation land, or near national parks and federal lands, receive the full funding to which they’re entitled. The bill addresses habitual Congressional delays and underfunding of Impact Aid to ensure these schools can provide adequate facilities and quality education for the communities they serve.
“In California’s 8th District, over 90 percent of our land is owned by the government,” said Rep. Obernolte. “When federal government involvement reduces the potential for state and local tax revenue to fund our schools, the federal government must contribute to ensure our schools can provide an adequate education for the children who depend on them. Unfortunately, Impact Aid has been underfunded and unstable since 1969, and that cannot be allowed to continue.”
"We are grateful to Congressman Obernolte for Co-Sponsoring the Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act! Fully funding Impact Aid will give Silver Valley Unified School District the resources it needs to meet the needs of our military dependent students,” said Silver Valley Unified School District Superintendent Jesse Nagera. “Military students face many struggles as they move from school to school and it's important that we have the resources needed to help them succeed in school. We appreciate Congressman Obernolte's leadership and support for our students!"
The Advancing Toward Impact Aid Full Funding Act creates a five-year plan to fund Impact Aid by increasing funding for basic support, federal property and children with disabilities in specific increments. It also improves national K-12 school systems to become more equitable and supports military families and Native American communities that are especially impacted by federally tax-exempt land.
Supporters of the bill include: The National Education Association, the National Indian Education Association, National Indian Impacted Schools Association, Military Impacted Schools Association, Blue Star Families Military Child Education Coalition, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), National Military Family Association Service Women’s Action Network, Fleet Reserve Association, The Enlisted Association, Military Officers Association of America, EDGE Consulting Partners, The School Superintendents Association (AASA), American Federation of School Administrators, National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Math and Science Initiative, National Disability Rights Network, Council of Administrators of Special Education, San Diego Unified School District, Silver Valley Unified School District, National Rural Education Advocacy Consortium, Mid-to-Low LOT Schools, Organizations Concerned about Rural Education, National Association of Federally Impacted Schools and the Federal Lands Impacted Schools Association.