Washington, D.C. - The New Mexico congressional delegation announced today that $512,362,810 in emergency education funding has been released for schools in New Mexico to help save education-related jobs and maintain programs for low-income students and students with disabilities. For example, New Mexico schools will immediately receive $80,803,396 in Title I funds and $97,451,822 in IDEA funds. Here is a complete list of funds for New Mexico.
"This huge investment in public education shows that we make our children a top priority even in the most difficult of economic times," U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman said. "New Mexico schools stand ready to put this funding to very good use."
"The Title I and IDEA programs stand for the belief that every child deserves an opportunity to live their dreams," said U.S. Senator Tom Udall. "But during these tough economic times, too many schools struggle to provide low-income and disabled students with the skills to succeed. This funding will create jobs today while building a more productive workforce and a stronger economy for the future."
"The future of the American economy and the American dream depends on today's students," said Representative Heinrich." This $512 million is a down payment on their success."
"We cannot let our children's education be a casualty of the economic crisis," said Congressman Harry Teague. "By providing these critical funds to K-12 education we are not only saving and creating jobs, but we are making a long term investment in the future of our state and nation."
"Investing in our schools, teachers, and students will help our communities in these tough economic times," said Rep. Luján. "It is important that we protect New Mexico students' access to a good education during this economic crisis. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, schools are receiving important funding to protect teacher jobs and maintain programs for children with disabilities. This funding will help students get the education they need to achieve their goals and prepare them to keep our economy moving forward."
This is the first of two installments of direct funding for Title I and IDEA programs that for school districts will receive under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act; the second installment of funds will be released to districts in the fall of this year.
IDEA is the major federal program that provides funding for special education and related services to students with disabilities. The Title I program provides funds to low-income school districts that are in even greater need during the economic downturn. The funds appropriated through the Recovery Plan are distributed through the previously defined IDEA and Title I formulas.
