[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 130 (Friday, August 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    THE INTRODUCTION OF THE ``MIDWEST SCHOOLS DISASTER RELIEF ACT''

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                             HON. PHIL HARE

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 2008

  Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, the Midwest has been hard-hit by record 
flooding in recent months, disrupting the lives of the farmers, 
homeowners, and families of my Illinois Congressional District. Flood 
damage to schools alone is expected to reach nearly $100 million, and 
as a result some schools will not open in the fall. Those schools able 
to open their doors are desperately trying to get ready for the 
upcoming school year, but repairs and cleanup are ongoing.
  Moreover, many schools will see an influx of flood-displaced 
students, while others will face financial challenges due to the loss 
of students and property values where the schools are located. I have 
heard from several regional superintendents in my district, 
particularly Mr. Ralph Grimm of West Central Community Unit School 
District No. 235 in Henderson County, with concerns that this situation 
will make it difficult for them to make ends meet in the coming school 
year.
  To address short- and long-term needs, immediate education disaster 
assistance for flood-impacted schools is necessary to ensure that 
students continue to receive a quality education in the aftermath of 
this disaster. As such, I proudly introduce the Midwest Schools 
Disaster Relief Act.
  Similarly to the assistance Congress approved after Hurricane 
Katrina, this bill would:
  Authorize funds to restart school operations. These monies could be 
used on transportation assistance, to replace damaged textbooks and 
computers, rent temporary classroom sites, hire additional staff for 
counseling services, clean up school buildings, and other services and 
activities.
  Authorize funds for schools to accommodate any displaced students 
they enroll.
  Prohibit the loss of students due to displacement to count against 
schools when Federal funding is calculated for the next academic year.
  Waive the Federal requirement that schools maintain their share of 
financial responsibility in providing education services.
  Ensure the needs of homeless students displaced by flooding are met 
through the Education for Homeless Youth program.
  The natural disasters of May and June 2008 have adversely affected 
the economy, agriculture, critical infrastructure, and school districts 
of the Midwest. As weather-damaged schools prepare to welcome students 
back in just a few short weeks, we simply cannot stand by and watch our 
children receive a lower-quality education solely because they live in 
an area where flooding or storms occurred.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
legislation.

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