Letter to Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Obey: January 22, 2009

January 22, 2009

The Honorable Nancy Pelosi Speaker of the House U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515

The Honorable David Obey     Chairman, Committee on Appropriations     U.S. House of Representatives     Washington, DC 20515

RE: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

Dear Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Obey:

The National School Boards Association (NSBA), representing more than 95,000 local school board members through state school boards associations across the nation, is writing to express our sincere appreciation and strong support for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. We are especially appreciative of your efforts and leadership.

Many of our public school districts are facing enormous economic uncertainty with state budget shortfalls, declines in local revenues used for education, potential teacher and personnel lay-offs, and deferrals of school repairs and maintenance, for example. Without the provisions proposed for K-12 education programs in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the nation’s 14,350 school districts will encounter even greater peril as our communities try to mitigate effects of the recession.

The legislation’s provisions for education are very timely—from Title I grants for disadvantaged students and special education to school infrastructure, education technology, assistance to students affected by the housing crisis, teacher quality, data systems and assessments, and school nutrition programs. These and other investments proposed in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are paramount to the success of our nation’s students; and, they would be mutually beneficial to our communities and states to create and sustain thousands of jobs and contracting opportunities.

NSBA greatly appreciates Congress’ efforts to address the economic crisis and its impact on our students and school districts. We urge Congress’ strong bipartisan support and swift passage of the legislation, and look forward to working with you as the bill moves forward.

Sincerely,

Michael A. Resnick
Associate Executive Director

Attachment:  NSBA statement on the proposed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, released January 16, 2009