Nebraska Requests Fiscal Stabilization Funding

(Lincoln, Neb.) Nebraska officials today submitted the certification paperwork needed to receive fiscal stabilization funding under the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Gov. Dave Heineman and Education Commissioner Roger Breed today signed an application for Nebraska’s share of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund which has been submitted to the U.S. Department of Education.

The application is for the first portion of federal funds used to stabilize and continue funding for significant programs such as education. During the 2009 legislative session, lawmakers adopted a budget for the coming biennium that incorporates ARRA funding to provide additional support for K-12 schools and public safety efforts through the Nebraska Department of Corrections.

As part of the application, states commit to make progress on four areas of educational reform; including: improving teacher effectiveness and ensuring that low-income and minority students are not taught at higher rates than other students by inexperienced teachers; establishing a data system with the goal of improving the collection and use of data in educational settings; enhancing the quality and academic content of educational assessments given to students, including those with disabilities and limited English proficiency; and provide support for struggling schools.

The fiscal stabilization portion of Nebraska’s ARRA funding includes support for elementary and secondary education and other areas of government operations.