Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced that the application for Part 1 of Maryland's State Stabilization Funds was approved, making more than $589 million available for Maryland schools under the Recovery Act. To date, Maryland has received $180 million in education stimulus funds, through a combination of funding for Title I, IDEA, Vocational Rehabilitation Grants and Independent Living Grants. Maryland will also be eligible to apply for another $290 million this fall.
"The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contained historic support for education that saved jobs and will lay a foundation for long-term success. By investing in education, we are building a workforce that can compete in the 21st century global economy," said Van Hollen. "I am pleased that the Governor and the Department of Education have worked quickly to ensure that our schools have access to this critical funding, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to guarantee every child a first-class education."