NEWS: Education Department is Releasing Valley Funding after Harder’s Demands

$18 million for hiring teachers, STEM education, and after-school programs was locked up
 

STOCKTON – Today, Rep. Josh Harder (CA-09) announced that the U.S. Department of Education is releasing $18 million in federal funding promised to San Joaquin County for local Valley school programs in response to Harder’s push for a reversal. Last month, Washington attempted to freeze local school funding just weeks away from the first day of school, and in response, Harder demanded the immediate release of funding promised to the Valley.

The frozen funds would have effected:

• Funding for homework assistance and after-school clubs.
• Investments in STEM education and digital learning services.
• Hiring and training more teachers — one local school district has a 100+ shortage.

“These funding freezes would have been disastrous for our kids’ educations. Teachers already don’t get enough support, and threatening this so close to the first day of school was completely uncalled for. I’m incredibly relieved the Department of Education heeded our calls and reversed course.” said Rep. Harder. “This kind of brinksmanship needs to stop - our kids cannot become political pawns in politicians’ idiotic games. Our kids, and our community, deserve better.”

In his letter Harder urged Washington to:

• Immediately release the $18 million promised to San Joaquin County.
• Restore funding for hiring teachers and providing education programs.
• Prioritizekids’ education and career futures.

Read the full letter here.

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