Jul 26, 2024
Press
McMorris Rodgers Ensures Secure Rural Schools Funding Extension for Eastern Washington Students, Educators, Communities
WASHINGTON D.C. –Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today announcing her work to secure a two-year extension of the Secure Rural Schools Program to empower Eastern Washington students and ensure safe roads.
“I’ve worked aggressively to ensure Secure Rural Schools be a top priority in the 114th Congress, because students, educators, and thousands of people from rural communities across Eastern Washington rely on this important program every day. I’ve used my seat at the Leadership table to advocate for rural America, and I am proud to announce that this week, I will vote to extend Secure Rural Schools for two years. I will vote to maintain our roads, and I will vote to make sure Eastern Washington classrooms have the resources they need to educate our next generation.
“Over a century ago, the federal government made a promise to actively manage our forests for the benefit of rural schools and communities, and we must hold the federal government to this commitment. This extension will enable us to work together on a long-term plan to restore the health and sustainability of Eastern Washington’s forests, which provide critical jobs, energy, and recreational opportunities for countless people across our region. I will continue to collaborate through public-private partnerships to directly help our community, and I remain committed to championing comprehensive forestry legislation to empower people in Eastern Washington and across the country to reach their full potential.”
The extension of Secure Rural Schools will provide funding for seven counties across the Fifth Congressional District, and 27 counties across Washington state. Included in legislation to repeal the Medicare sustainable growth rate and strengthen Medicare access, it is expected to be considered by the House later this week.
A longtime champion of this important program, the Congresswomanauthored an op-ed in the Spokesman Review about the work she is doing to restore the Colville National Forest and extend Secure Rural Schools.