The House on Tuesday approved a Senate-passed bill providing $26 billion in aid to school districts and states. The measure provides jobs for tens of thousands of public school teachers and will help cash-strapped states provide health care. In Vermont, the legislation will provide $19 million for teaching jobs and an estimated $37 million for Medicaid.  “In the midst of this horrendous recession we must not turn our backs on children and their education,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders, a member of the Senate education committee. “This bill will save 300 teaching positions in Vermont and help the state and local governments maintain basic services without state or local property tax increases.”

The education funding will be administered by the U.S. Department of Education.  After reviewing state applications, the department will make formula allocations to states based on total population and school age population.  States will then distribute the funds to school districts. If a state turns down the money, the funds may be sent directly to school boards.

For a detailed analysis of the recently-passed legislation, click here.