Legislation Would Save Nearly 5000 Education Jobs In Ohio As Students Return To Classrooms
WASHINGTON — July 28, 2010 — The U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation Tuesday containing emergency funds to help states cope with the Great Recession and stave off massive layoffs of educators. The House joined the Senate in passing H.R. 1586, the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act, legislation that will keep educators working and help states with Medicaid funding. It provides $10 billion for teachers’ jobs and $16 billion for a Medicaid funding assistance program known as FMAP.
The legislation would provide $361.2 million in federal funding for Ohio and help save 5000 jobs.
A Congressional Budget Office analysis found that the legislation, which is fully paid for, will reduce the deficit by $1.4 billion over 10 years. The bill, which the Department of Education estimates will save some 161,000 educators’ jobs, now goes to President Obama for his signature.
The following can be attributed to Patricia Frost-Brooks, president of the Ohio Education Association:
“This victory is the direct result of educators across Ohio speaking up for education and students. Not only will the legislation keep Ohio educators working, but it also will ensure that students returning to school in the fall will have the educators they need to continue learning.”
“We appreciate the support of the House leadership and Ohio’s Democratic congressional delegation for putting students ahead of politics,” said Frost-Brooks. “Fiscal relief to struggling school districts and students without exception should remain Ohio’s top priority during tough economic times.”
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The Ohio Education Association (ohea.org) represents 121,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals in Ohio’s public schools, colleges and universities.
