Gov. Gregoire announces $672 million recovery funding for education, stabilization

Governor thanks Sen. Patty Murray for leadership on education

OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced $672 million that is now available for Washington state under the under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to support education improvements.

“Access to this much needed federal funding comes at a critical time when education resources are diminishing,” said Gregoire. “These stabilization funds will keep the core of our education system intact while we work to pull our economy out of recession.”

Washington will be eligible to apply for another $331 million this fall. Today’s funding is being made available because Washington state successfully completed the first State Stabilization Application.

“With school districts and taxpayers struggling across Washington state, this funding will help teachers keep their jobs and help students get the skills they need to succeed in school and the workplace,” said Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA). “We all know that education is the key to our future economic strength and that makes continued investment in our schools and students especially important when times are tough.”

As with all ARRA funding coming to the state, the recovery team will report the number of jobs saved, the amount of state and local tax increases averted, and how funds are used.

See Washington state’s application for initial funding under the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund Program at http://www.ed.gov/programs/statestabilization/stateapps/wa.pdf

Washington state is administering the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act investments with an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. Gov. Gregoire created a Web site, www.recovery.wa.gov, so every Washingtonian can see where tax dollars are going and hold government accountable for the results. On the federal level, President Obama has appointed Vice President Biden to oversee all states’ recovery efforts and to root out waste and fraud. This combined oversight will ensure taxpayer dollars are put to good use and recharge the economy.