Letter to Senator Robert Byrd, Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations: April 24, 2008

April 24, 2008

The Honorable Robert C. Byrd
Chairman
Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

RE: Fiscal Year 2008 Supplemental Appropriations

Dear Chairman Byrd:

On behalf of more than 95,000 local school board members who represent more than 49 million students in the 15,000 public school districts across the nation, the National School Boards Association (NSBA) strongly supports your leadership and efforts to provide funding for domestic infrastructure priorities in the FY2008 supplemental appropriations bill.

While there are efforts underway to develop a second stimulus package that will help reverse the downturn affecting America’s economy, NSBA urges you to include immediate funding in the supplemental appropriations bill for both a local and national priority that will address an urgent need for America’s schools: school repairs and modernization. Assistance to school districts for infrastructure repairs and modernization would create additional contracting opportunities for businesses, as well as additional jobs that will help alleviate unemployment in many communities.

A provision similar to that of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001 (Public Law 106-554) would be very timely in the supplemental appropriations bill, along with language allowing districts to expedite contracting and procurement policies in the most efficient manner. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001 appropriated $1.2 billion for “grants for school repair and renovation, activities under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and technology activities.” This law was the last source of general federal assistance to schools for infrastructure needs.

The infrastructure for a number of public school systems in America is inadequate, outdated, or even crumbling, thus affecting school and student performance. Approximately three million students attend public schools that require major renovation or replacement. Recent estimates place total school facility needs, including technology, at well over $300 billion.

Immediate federal funding for repairs is a much-needed resource for schools in high-poverty communities—both urban and rural—with limited tax bases that need additional support for school modernization costs. Moreover, federal assistance is sorely needed in order to address this crisis that could be exacerbated by the decline in state and local revenues currently projected by more than 20 states. Because of the widespread catastrophe affecting the housing market, local property tax revenues are expected to decline in many communities; thereby, affecting a major source of funding for our schools and for capital improvements, including school repairs and renovation. Likewise, sales tax revenues are projected to decline, according to a study released by the National Governors Association (NGA), which is prompting a number of states to explore options to shift budget priorities and possibly reduce funding in critical areas that could impact education.

A funding allocation in the FY2008 supplemental appropriations bill will help ensure that the educational infrastructure for our school systems is conducive for a 21st century learning environment while simultaneously serving as a stimulus for local economies. Please contact Deborah Rigsby at (703) 838-6208 or via email at drigsby@nsba.org for additional information regarding this request.

NSBA greatly appreciates your tireless support to increase the federal investment in education and urges your continued support for this priority.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Resnick
Associate Executive Director

cc:  The Honorable Thad Cochran, Ranking Member, Committee on Appropriations
The Honorable Tom Harkin, Chairman, Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, Education
The Honorable Arlen Specter, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Labor, Health & Human Services, Education