President Bush To Sign Bill Funding Yosemite Elementary Schools

Washington, DC — Three elementary schools in Yosemite National Park will be receiving much needed funds thanks to a bill passed by the U-S House of Representatives this week.

The bill authored by Senator Dianne Feinstein authorizes funding for Yosemite Valley, El Portal and Wawona Elementary Schools, which have seen declining enrollment over the past few years.

The legislation was derived from a measure that was written by Congressman George Radanovich who says that the schools have not received any federal funds prior to the bill´s passage.

He says the schools have been funded by the state of California based on enrollment. That means funding has been sparse because of the small student populations at the schools.

Radanovich says the bill will allow the Superintendent the option of using federal funds to offset state funding shortages and keep the schools open. He says it makes sense for the federal government to get involved because the three schools are there solely for the park´s employees which are employed by the park service.

The bill now goes to President Bush for his signature.