WASHINGTON, D.C. – Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today questioned Arne Duncan, the Secretary of Education, in a hearing held by the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Service and Education.  Secretary Duncan, who visited Montana last week, was called to testify about President Obama’s budget proposals.  Rehberg is a member of the subcommittee.

“While the trend has been to sacrifice rural needs for urban ones, it’s more important than ever to keep our promises to rural America when it comes to education,” said Rehberg a member of the House Appropriations Committee and the House Rural Education Caucus.  “Nothing levels the playing field like a good education, and it’s the source of our nation’s future strength.  As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I’m in a unique position to ensure that Montana’s needs are heard at the very highest levels.”

Among the issues raised by Rehberg was the disproportionate impact that rural communities would suffer if early childhood education programs were switched from formula grants to competitive dollars.  Communities like Lame Deer, which Duncan visited while in Montana, would not have the staff or resources to compete with larger urban schools for grants.

Rehberg also fought for the continued funding of TRiO programs like GEAR UP, Academic Talent Search, Upward Bound, Student Support Services and ASPIRE.  These programs play a vital role in preparing low-income and first generation college students for post-secondary education.  Nearly 10,000 Montana students participated in these programs during the 2008-2009 school year.

“Denny has become very supportive of the TRiO programs, for which we are very appreciative,” said Dan Benge, Director Upward Bound & Educational Talent Search at MSU-B.  “Support for the TRiO programs has enabled us to assist the most disadvantaged students in Montana to help them realize the dream of earning a college education.  Funding for these programs is crucial, and the programs have demonstrated that they are effective if you look at comparative statistics between students enrolled in TRiO programs and those who are not with similar background.”