President Bush on May 25 signed a nearly $100 billion spending bill financing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that includes $60 million for U.S. schools and colleges still recovering from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
The money includes $30 million for K-12 schools to provide incentives for teachers and principals who commit to working in New Orleans-area public schools for at least three years. The incentives include salary bonuses, money for relocation, and housing grants.
The legislation will also provide $30 million for colleges and universities that were closed for 30 days or more and continue to face lost revenue and enrollment. The money will help cover faculty salaries, but could also be used to provide grants to students.
“This funding will provide a much-needed infusion of resources to jump start the Gulf Coast’s educational recovery efforts,” Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., the chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, said in a statement.
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