[ED Homepage]FOR RELEASE February 9, 1996
Riley released state-by-state budget tables documenting sharply reduced federal funding levels that could have a significant impact on communities working to reduce violence and drug use in schools.
"This retreat from federal support comes at a time when drug use among young people is rising and violence threatens the learning environment in many of the nation's schools," Riley said. "It's very disturbing and a clear signal that we must redouble our efforts. I cannot understand why anyone concerned with the future of this nation and the health and safety of our children would willingly retreat in such a critical fight."
Under the current stop-gap funding arrangement, known as a continuing resolution, the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities program is cut 25 percent from last year's appropriation of $430 million to an annual level of $322 million. If that funding formula is extended for the rest of the fiscal year -- the resolution expires March 15 -- schools nationwide will lose some $108 million.
"These are the cuts that will not heal," Riley said.
Riley said that while these are funds that ordinarily would be expended in the fall, school officials must begin planning now.
"For school districts that are required to submit their budgets now, this is a nightmare," Riley said.
Columbus, Ohio, school officials report that a 25 percent cut in the $530,345 they are receiving this year, when coupled with similar cuts in state and local resources, means they could be forced to reduce the staff working to keep schools safe by half. Efforts to teach students how to resolve conflicts peacefully may be eliminated in Chicago, where schools are receiving some $4.4 million this year. In Georgia's rural Muscogee County, the funds are used for a variety of activities, including support for counselors.
To date, the Congress has failed to pass an appropriations bill funding education programs. The House has voted, however, to cut Safe and Drug-Free spending by 55 percent to a level of $194.6 million. President Clinton has requested an increase in FY96 to $500 million for the violence and drug prevention effort.
The Education Department estimates that some 40 million students are served by the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities program in 97 percent of the nation's school districts.
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