Secure Rural Schools Funding Still A Possibility

Sonora, Ca — The re-authorization of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act seemed more like a dream than a reality just one month ago, but Tuolumne County Schools Superintendent Joe Silva has learned that the funding may be included in a Tax Extender bill that will go before the U.S. Congress within the next week.

?What they are looking at is full funding for one year, and then a 10 percent reduction over the next four years,? says Silva. In year one, the county would receive $2.5 million for roads and schools.

?We have not given up,? adds Silva. ?It is like we are in the fourth quarter right now, and it is coming down to the wire.?

Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee Max Baucus, (D) Montana, has indicated that he has an amendment prepared to insert the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act funding into the bill if a cloture vote can be obtained.

Written by BJ Hansen