Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted to save jobs for teachers and help Washington state cover a $312 million budget shortfall by supporting the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act. The House of Representatives was called back into session to protect education jobs and provide Medicaid assistance to states to help reduce budget shortfalls. This will help protect 310,000 jobs nationwide – which includes 161,000 teaching positions according to the Department of Education. The House passed the bill by a vote of 247 to 161 and will now be sent to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
“Today I voted to provide much-needed help to local school districts so they can keep teachers in the classrooms as kids head back to school this fall,” said Rep. Larsen. “I’ve met with school administrators across Northwest Washington who have struggled to keep teachers on the payroll during these tough economic times. The National Education Association estimates that this critical funding will help save 408 education jobs in my district.”
“We are grateful to Congressman Larsen and other legislators who have been such strong supporters of education,” said Dr. Gary Cohn, Superintendent of the Everett Public Schools. “Federal approval of these funds is a turn in the right direction to help hold back what have been annual education funding cuts for districts around the state. Last year, funding provided by Congress protected as many as 50 teaching positions right here in Everett – more than an entire elementary school staff.”
“Mount Baker School District and most districts in the state have been making budget cuts and reducing programs for several years. This downward trend has had an unfortunate impact on children,” said Dr. Rick Gantman, Superintendent of Mt. Baker School District. “The Education Jobs Act will help us maintain our service to children, keep high quality educators for our students and continue our improvement efforts.”
“When kids walk back to into their classrooms this fall, I want to make sure their favorite teachers are there waiting for them so they can get the high quality education they deserve,” said Rep. Larsen.
The Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act will provide a much-needed $546 million for Washington state, including $208 million to fund education jobs, according to the Department of Education, and $338 million for Medicaid assistance, according to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities. This funding will help Washington state cover a $312 million shortfall in the state budget. Without this funding, the Governor predicts that Washington state would have faced a 3.6 percent across the board spending cut for state programs.
“I commend Governor Gregoire and the Washington state Legislature for their commitment to making tough choices and passing a balanced budget,” said Rep. Larsen. “This much-needed funding will help cover the shortfall in the state budget so we can avoid the layoffs of workers and cuts to critical services in our state.”
This bill is fully paid for and will reduce the deficit by $1.4 billion over 10 years, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office.
