Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, I thank my good friend from California for being such a tremendous champion for this important program and a great partner to work with.

Mr. Chairman, the Statewide Family Engagement Center Program provides much-needed technical assistance and partnership development to States and school districts to foster meaningful engagement with families to further their children's academic and developmental progress.

Research has shown that family engagement in a child's education increases student achievement, improves attendance, reduces the dropout rate, and advances the emotional and physical well-being of children.

Unfortunately, due to our Department of Education grant reviewer error, a $1 million shortfall for fiscal year 2019 has been created in this program. If this shortfall, this error, is not filled, corrected, a 9 percent cut in the grants of 11 centers serving 11 States will take effect. This means that 11 centers will have to cut staff or reduce services, including those who work closely with parents.

While I was extremely pleased to see an increase in funding in this program in fiscal year 2020, we must ensure these centers receive the funding they deserve.

Our amendment would resolve this shortfall by designating $1 million of the $5 million increase under this bill to ensure the current grantees are made whole and can continue to provide the needed services and supports to families in their States.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my fellow colleagues to vote in support of this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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