BINGAMAN – KENNEDY AMENDMENT BOOSTS FUNDING FOR EDUCATION INITIATIVES THAT BENEFIT HISPANIC STUDENTS

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Edward Kennedy and Jeff Bingaman today said they are pleased that an amendment Bingaman wrote and Kennedy cosponsored boosts funding for migrant education, Hispanic Serving Institutions and other initiatives has been made part of an education spending bill that passed the Senate today. The proposal, which sets aside a total of $30 million for a variety of education programs, was made part of the fiscal year 2006 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Bill. Bingaman initially offered an amendment that would have set aside $60 million, but in the end was able to get agreement for half that amount. Senator Kennedy said, “I am pleased that the Senate has given a much needed boost to these critical initiatives aimed at the success of Hispanic children and youth in our schools, community colleges, and universities. Investing in the education of Hispanic children is a vital part of assuring the future strength and well-being of our nation. Hispanic children are the nation’s fastest growing student population, and we know that much more support is needed to ensure that all children graduate with a high school diploma. ”“This is an investment in America’s future. I wish we could do an even better job of funding education initiatives that support our nation’s fastest growing minority population, but this is at least a step in the right direction,” Bingaman said. “We will fight to keep this funding in the final bill.” The amendment would provide the following:· $4.8 million for migrant education; · $7.65 million English language acquisition programs; · $2.85 million for High School Equivalency Program and College Assistance Migrant Program; · $3.25 million for English as a Second Language programs; · $6.5 million to support local family information centers; · $4.95 million for Hispanic Serving Institutions.In some cases, this funding is on top of funding already appropriated for the programs. -30-