HOUSE, SENATE INCREASE '09
FUNDING FOR EDUCATION

The U.S. House and Senate approved a FY2009 budget in early June that increases funding for education while following the Democrats’ promise to balance the budget by 2012. Other funding increases were for health care, veteran benefits, and energy programs. The $3 trillion budget, the first approved in eight years, does not need the President's signature, but will guide the actions of the appropriation committees. See details.

SCHOOL FACILITIES BILLS
MAKE HEADWAY IN CONGRESS

By a vote of 250 to 164, the House of Representatives gave approval in early June to a bill, HR 3021, that authorizes $6.4 billion to assist states and local communites with federal grants for school modernization and energy efficient construction projects. In the Senate, a tax package that includes a one-year extension of the Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) program was expected to come to the floor. It would provide an additional $400 million for school facilities renovation and repair. QZABs allow school districts to issue bonds for school modernization and provide that bond buyers receive a federal tax credit in lieu of interest. See details.