Legum’s New Line

Yesterday, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan issued a press release revealing that Maryland, along with 27 other states, has yet to apply for federal education funds available through the stimulus package, potentially leaving billions of dollars on the table. From the release:

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today urged states to submit applications for State Fiscal Stabilization Funds as quickly as possible, saying teaching jobs are at risk and reforms must move forward.

“We have an urgent need to reform our schools and prevent teacher layoffs,” said Duncan. “The Department is turning around applications within nine days on average. States that have not yet applied need to do so now.”

Of the over $100 billion stimulus dollars designated for education, $48.6 billion was designated for the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund. On April 1, the first $32.6 billion was made available. This includes $26.6 billion exclusively for K-12 and higher education and $6 billion for education, public safety or other government services.

So far, nearly $13 billion has been awarded to 13 states: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah and Wisconsin. Another nine states and Puerto Rico have applied: Tennessee, Rhode Island, Indiana, North Carolina, Washington, Idaho, Massachusetts, Virginia and Iowa.

Meanwhile, education funds throughout Maryland are tight. Several county leaders are seeking to balance their budget by reducing funds to schools.

In order to improve the quality of Maryland schools in difficult economic times, we need to take advantage of every possible opportunity. Right now, the state has dropped the ball. The funds will only be available through July 1.

[HT: Wonk Room]

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