Secure Rural Schools Act Dealt A Blow

Washington, DC — A one year extension for the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act has been cut from the $186.5 billion War Supplemental Bill up for debate in Washington, DC.

This comes as a blow to Tuolumne County, as the Act annually doles out a combined $2.5 million for roads and schools.

“At this time there are no other planned proposals for reauthorization, so this will have a very negative impact on Tuolumne County,” says Superintendent of Schools Joe Silva. “Next week I am going to a meeting with the California Forest Counties and we will be looking at next steps.”

Representative Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) had been lobbying for a one year extension, but it was eventually cut by lawmakers so that more funding would be available for flood relief in the Midwest and the ongoing efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Written by BJ Hansen