Securing Schools Funding

Sonora, CA – The U.S. Congress failed to vote on the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Community Self-Determination Act in 2014, which has created a lapse in funding to the Mother Lode for schools and roadways.  SRS was initially passed years ago to offset revenue losses due to a declining timber industry.

This week the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution that encouraged a long-term reauthorization of SRS or the creation of a successor program.  Board documents show the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) Governmental Affairs is behind the push to have counties adopt the resolution in a show of support.

The last time funding was approved for SRS was in October of 2013.  As previously reported, last year Tuolumne County Superintendent of Schools Joe Silva was part of a contingency in Washington, DC, lobbying in support of SRS, which, if approved, could bring $2.5 million a year to benefit Tuolumne County roads and schools.