Ruppersberger Honors Teachers, Administrators, And Staff at Schools Serving Military Communities
The following is Congressman Ruppersberger's statement as prepared.
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 598."
"Tens of thousands of men and women in uniform are serving our country around the world. I believe we owe it to them to make sure that their children here at home have access to a quality education. Teachers, staff, and administrators at schools serving our military communities are a critical part of achieving this goal. These professionals work hard to educate our youth as well as support families who are dealing with a loved one serving overseas - very often in a dangerous, combat area. That is why I am taking time today to honor these great educators for the work they do every day. The commitment of the staff at these schools is unwavering and I am proud to stand here today in support of these great Americans."
"In my district, the Maryland 2nd Congressional District, schools around Fort Meade in Anne Arundel County, especially elementary schools, are feeling the pinch. The military is funding the development of 3200 new housing units on the base in the next few years. This is welcome news for military families but this initiative coupled with the fact that more military personnel are being called to duty is expected to bring 700 new students to the Anne Arundel County School System. These military families typically don't pay taxes in Anne Arundel County because their home of record is in another state. This situation is expected to overburden the school system and disrupt the system's construction and modernization plan due to this influx of new students."
"As the former Baltimore County Executive, I understand the financial constraint situations like this put on local governments. I am doing everything I can here on Capitol Hill to make sure that this situation does not unfairly burden Anne Arundel County. I believe we need to fully fund Impact Aid to counties serving military children like Anne Arundel County. Impact Aid is federal assistance that helps offset the costs of educating military children when their families don't pay taxes in the area. Right now Impact Aid is only funded at 60%. I believe we should completely fund the program."
"The teachers, staff, and administrators at these schools do their part to educate and support these military families in this very difficult time. We in Congress must do our part and give them the resources they deserve."
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