[Dec-advocacy] Great News for Part C Funding; But Disappointing News for Preschool

[Diana J. LaRocco]

Great News for Part C Funding; But Disappointing News for Preschool
 
The House Appropriations Committee released their stimulus bill yesterday
and we have some very good news for the Part B (3-21 years) program and the
Part C (birth to three) program. Unfortunately, the Preschool Program and
the programs under Part D were not included in the bill.  DEC continues to
advocate, with others, for their inclusion in the stimulus bill and we need
your help!
 
First, the good news!  The House leadership stimulus package includes $600
million for Part C of IDEA. The first $300 million will be available to
states on July 1, 2009 and another $300 million will be available on July 1,
2010. 
 
The bill also includes $13 billion for section 611 (3-21) of the IDEA. The
first $6B will be available to states on July 1, 2009, and the remaining $7B
will become available on July 1, 2010.
 
The bill also includes increased funding for Head Start and Child Care and
other programs important to young children and their families. The bill also
extends the moratorium on Medicaid regulations through October 1, 2009.
 
Unfortunately, the bill did not include any additional funds for the
Preschool Section 619 Program or for any of the programs under Part D.  DEC
continues to work with other groups to advocate for the addition of funds
for these important programs.
 
This is just the first step in the process and already there are some in the
Congress who are expressing disagreement with the bill. We have lots to
still do and DEC will keep you posted on next steps but this is a great
start!
 
Please go to CEC¹s Legislative Action Center and send a letter today!
http://capwiz.com/cek/issues/alert/?alertid=12445081
<http://capwiz.com/cek/issues/alert/?alertid=12445081>
 
 
Attached is the press release from the House Speaker¹s Office that provides
more details on the bill.
 
Sharon Walsh and Bonnie Keilty
DEC Governmental Relations





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