For Release: Monday, March 10, 2003
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO ELECTED CO-CHAIR OF HOUSE IMPACT AID COALITION

Washington- U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that he has been elected a co-chair of the House Impact Aid Coalition, a bipartisan group concerned with the impact federal land has on funding for local school districts. Businesses and homes located on federal land are exempted from local taxes, eliminating up to half of the funding for these school districts. Impact Aid is federal money used to ensure that these students have the necessary resources for a quality education. The mission of the Coalition is to strengthen the Impact Aid program and educate Members of Congress about the program.

"The dedicated professionals at our military bases and other federal entities make a tremendous contribution to our nation and our communities, and their children deserve a high quality education," said Costello. "The Impact Aid Coalition was formed to ensure that the federal government meets its commitments to these students and their families, and I look forward to shaping these efforts as co-chair."

The House Impact Aid Coalition was formed in 1995 and currently has 132 members. It serves as a clearinghouse for information concerning the Impact Aid program and works closely with a similar group in the Senate, congressional leadership, the executive branch and educators. Costello was selected by the other co-chairs of the organization from a group of interested Coalition members.

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