|
Federal
Language to Support School Nurses
The following message was received from Linda Wolfe, President of NASN. Below is information sent to us from Eileen Meirer, our GR Consultant in D.C. It is the Press Release from Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy's web site regarding funds for school nurses!! I think it would be wonderful if Congresswoman McCarthy were to hear from school nurses across the nation who appreciate her advocacy for school nurses and children. She is a Democrat from the 4th District - New York. Her web site is www.house.gov/carolynmccarthy. Her address is 1224 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-3204. Her fax number is 202 225-5758 and phone is 202 225-5516. Her health/education person is Joanne Reising. Eileen advises us to send an email or fax because of the continuing concerns with mail. FINALLY - - - federal language to support funding for school nurses and a goal to put a nurse in every school!!!! McCarthy Delivers Education Results for Nassau, Wins Fight to Fund School Nurses, Teacher Mentoring, Academic Intervention & After-School Programs. Today, Congress passed an innovative, comprehensive education package that will benefit Nassau County schools and students. "Congress brightened the future for America's students and this country by passing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act," McCarthy said. "I have been working on this legislation in my Education Committee for the last four years. We owe it to our children to make these important and promising changes with an eye on their future. H.R. 1, The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 re-authorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, the primary bill funding education. The House Education Committee made great strides in boosting funding resulting in a $4 billion funding increase. Four of McCarthy's priorities passed in the bill, staying intact after months of debate in both the House and the Senate. Putting a nurse in every school, teacher mentoring, funding after-school, and creating academic intervention programs for troubled students rounded out McCarthy's education legislative achievements. "Real people, real students and real lives will be affected by having a nurse in every school, mentoring teachers, caring for our children after school, and helping teens who have trouble in school," McCarthy said. "Seeing such life-changing provisions become law is wholly gratifying." All remained in the initial legislation passed by the House of Representatives on May 23, and were included in the conference report passed by both congressional bodies. Here are details about McCarthy's provisions: PASSED — School Nurse Amendment under the Innovative Programs portion of Title IV allowing schools to use funds to hire school nurses for their schools. Previously, funds were not specifically earmarked for this purpose. PASSED — Teacher Mentor Amendment under Title II that allows funds to be used for a mentoring program that prepares, trains and recruits quality teachers by pairing new teachers with experienced ones. PASSED — After-School Amendment to Title V increased funding from $846 million in Fiscal Year '01 to $1 billion for Fiscal Year '02. McCarthy has been working on this amendment since the 106th Congress. PASSED — Academic Intervention Program amendment under Title IV allowing schools to use funds to create academic intervention programs for most-at-risk students, including those who fail to meet the state academic standards, and students not completing secondary school. The programs will be run with the assistance of community-based organizations, and will be conducted during the school day. Activities include tutoring, counseling, mentoring, enrichment activities, and college and career counseling. "It was great to see all of my amendments included in the initial versions of the bill, but it's even better knowing that they are in the final version," McCarthy said. "After all, the legislation we just passed is the version going to President Bush. It's the end result of a lot of hard work, and I know it's going to make a huge difference for our children."
|
|
Site Design and Development by AccuVis |
 |
