Nolan and Walz Team Up to Protect Funding for Rural Counties and Schools

Press Release

U.S. Reps. Rick Nolan and Tim Walz today urged leadership of the Committee on Appropriations to include urgent stopgap funding for the Secure Rural School and Self Determination (SRS) program in the anticipated Continuing Resolution which sets funding levels for the federal government. The SRS program provides compensation to rural counties with tax-exempt federal lands in their jurisdiction to go towards the funding of local school systems, law enforcement and transportation infrastructure.

"Our District receives $2.3 million in funding from this important program, which is crucial for our rural communities," Nolan said. "Our rural economy here in Minnesota depends on strong county and school systems. The fact is these programs represent a compact between the federal government and state and local governments that must be honored. There is no reason for any uncertainty going forward.

"Ensuring that rural schools have access to funding is critical for our local economies to thrive," said Rep. Walz. "Doing so is the cornerstone to building strong high-tech agriculture and manufacturing jobs in our region. Students should have opportunity regardless of where they live. Rep. Nolan and I ask the Appropriations Committee to work on behalf of students in rural areas."

The latest short-term reauthorization of the SRS program expired after fiscal year 2016 payments -- barring reauthorization, counties and schools will miss out on this crucial funding stream.

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