Victor Valley Times

U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono and Representatives John Garamendi and Jay Obernolte have introduced the Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act, intending to provide $1 billion over four years to federally impacted school districts through Impact Aid Construction Grants. The initiative aims to tackle the backlog in facility needs at schools affected by federal activities that reduce tax revenues in those areas.

"Every child deserves to receive a quality education in a safe, suitable learning environment," stated Hirono. The proposed legislative move emphasizes providing crucial funding to over 1,000 school districts nationwide, addressing construction, repair, and maintenance needs. The Department of Education administers this program.

Rep. Garamendi highlighted the importance of addressing overdue infrastructure repairs, which are essential for ensuring equitable educational opportunities in safe environments, saying, "I am grateful to Senator Hirono for introducing this legislation in the Senate and for fighting for safe environments for teachers and students."

In the 23rd District of California, Rep. Obernolte noted many schools face severe infrastructure challenges. "The Impact Aid Infrastructure Partnership Act is a vital step forward. It provides the resources and federal-local collaboration our schools need to modernize their facilities and create safe, effective learning environments for every student," he said.

The Act proposes $250,000,000 annually for four years for Impact Aid Construction Grants, allocating 25% through formula funding to eligible districts and the remaining 75% as competitive grants, prioritizing districts with emergency facility needs.

Nicole Russell, Executive Director of the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools, called the Act "a crucial investment in the future of federally impacted school districts." With deteriorating facilities undermining achievement, the legislation is seen as vital for leveling the playing field.

Brent Gish, Executive Director of the National Indian Impacted Schools Association, pointed out that federally impacted districts have limited resources and backing, with the need surpassing $4 billion. "It is our strong belief that in America, all children deserve a high-quality education in a safe and modern facility that supports innovative, culturally rich teaching," he remarked.

Kyle Fairbairn of the Military Impacted Schools Association noted the difficulty of funding construction in Impact Aid districts via local bonds. The Act, he believes, would alleviate taxpayers' burdens and support local education infrastructure without relying solely on property taxes.

The bill has support from several noted associations, including NAFIS, NIISA, MISA, and BASIC. The Senate sees cosponsorship from Senators Richard Blumenthal, Dick Durbin, Ruben Gallego, Kirsten Gillibrand, Martin Heinrich, Amy Klobuchar, Alex Padilla, Brian Schatz, and Tina Smith, while in the House, cosponsors include Eleanor Holmes Norton, Julia Brownley, Marilyn Strickland, Josh Gottheimer, Don Davis, Teresa Leger Fernández, and Emily Randall.

The full legislation text is publicly available.