[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 32 (Thursday, February 27, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               H.R. 1716

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 26, 2003

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, As an initial co-sponsor, I 
offer my support of H.R. 1716, a bill to make sure that Impact Aid to 
school districts to provide educational support, is assured as an 
entitlement. Today, as members of our military are being shipped abroad 
in large numbers to prepare for a possible war, it is critical for them 
to know that their children's schools are being supported by their 
government.
  The need for Impact Aid has been clear for over half a century. Begun 
in 1950, Impact Aid recompenses districts for the loss of a variety of 
taxes which form the basis of school support. Military land and the 
military homes located on that land do not contribute to property 
taxes. Over three-quarters of the military members in my district claim 
residency in other states and do not pay state income or car 
registration taxes. In addition, all sales on military installations 
are exempt from state sales taxes. Property, income, and sales taxes 
are the money which pays for education.
  Because the frequent transfer of military members results in 
increased transiency in schools, districts which serve large numbers of 
military children have increased costs.
  The school districts located in my congressional district are also 
known for offering a variety of services to special needs children. 
When military families have children with a high level of needs, the 
service provides compassionate assignment flexibility to enable them to 
stay in the area. This further increases costs for these districts.
  After more than half a century of support, it is time to stop making 
annual judgments about the value of Impact Aid. It is time to openly 
declare to every member of our armed services that we assure them that 
support for their children's education is not negotiable. Our 
commitment must not waiver.

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