[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 60 (Tuesday, May 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




H. RES. 598 RECOGNIZES THE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MILITARY IMPACTED 
                                SCHOOLS

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                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 2004

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res 598, sponsored by 
my colleague Mr. Hayes of North Carolina. The resolution recognizes the 
valuable contributions of military impacted schools, teachers, 
administration, and staff for their ongoing contributions to the 
education of military children.
  The federal Impact Aid program has been assisting school districts 
since its inception in 1950. The Impact Aid program provides financial 
assistance to school districts that are limited in their ability to 
raise local revenue by the presence of tax-exempt federal property, and 
must educate larger numbers of children because of the presence of 
federal employees. The program provides formula grants to cover a 
portion of per pupil education costs, as well as grants to support 
construction and maintenance needs.
  This program has been a life-line for many school districts like the 
El Paso Independent School District (EPISD), which I represent, whose 
annual budget includes a significant amount of federal Impact Aid 
funds.
  Fort Bliss, Texas, also located within my district, is home to the 
U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Center as well as the Army's Sergeant 
Major's Academy. Fort Bliss is also a major employer in my district. 
The children of troops and civil servants at Fort Bliss attend EPISD 
schools.
  I ask my colleagues to support our troops, their families and this 
resolution. I would also urge my colleagues to support H.R. 932, a bill 
sponsored by my colleagues Mr. Kirk and Mr. Larson. This bill would 
make Impact Aid an entitlement for our local education agencies. This 
is a fair, just and more efficient way to fund our federally impacted 
schools.

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