Amata Thanks Chairman Kline for Extraordinary Increase to ASDOE Funding
Pago Pago –Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, expressed her sincere gratitude to House Education & Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline for his support of a most generous increase in funding for the elementary and secondary education divisions of the American Samoa Department of Education (ASDOE). The increase is the result of a new formula that Congresswoman Amata was able to negotiate into the bill. This change in formula will allow for an estimated 67 percent increase for elementary and secondary education in the islands. American Samoa’s elementary and secondary schools currently receive a little over $10 million annually. The new formula will increase that number to over $18 million annually, beginning in the 2017-2018 school year.
The Congresswoman was at Pago Pago International Airport, to greet Chairman Kline and the other CODEL members during a stop off for refueling on their way back to the mainland from both Australia, and the Philippines where they were working with foreign officials on national security, education and workforce training, mine safety, and a number of other issues.
Representatives John Kline (MN), Tom Price (NC), Erik Paulsen (MN),
Dan Benishek (MI), and Ruben Hinajosa (TX) with Congresswoman Amata at Pago Pago Intl Airport
(Photo Courtesy of Ola M. Foster)
Following some handshakes, hugs, and a big hello from the entire delegation, Congresswoman Amata spoke to those gathered for the arrival stating, “I would like to welcome the Congressional Delegation (CODEL) to American Samoa. It is always a pleasure to see my colleagues here in the islands. I would particularly like to recognize Representative John Kline of Minnesota, who serves as the Chairman of the House Education & Workforce Committee. Chairman Kline was more than gracious in working with me to adjust how the territories are funded for their Elementary & Secondary Education programs. Under his leadership, and that of Senator Alexander of Tennessee, Congress passed and the President signed into law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which will allow for a dramatic increase to the island’s elementary and secondary education funding beginning in the 2017-2018 school year,” said Amata.
The ESSA, which President Obama signed into law last December, is a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which provides the states and territories funding for their elementary and secondary education programs.
Following the remarks from Congresswoman Amata, Chairman Kline spoke for a few minutes on the working relationship he and the Congresswoman have, and graciously transferred the kudos back to Amata for her work in getting the increase for American Samoa. "Well, Amata, I would not have understood the situation at all had it not been for your leadership and persistence at making sure we got it done,” stated the Chairman. “You deserve the credit...but I'll be glad to take the credit if you like,” he jokingly continued.
“It is always nice to see my colleagues outside of Washington, and as I have said before, whenever any of my colleagues are in the islands, whether it be for a week, or an hour, I do my best to greet them if I am here. It’s just the Samoan way to be welcoming, and I want to make sure that is relayed to those who visit our islands,” concluded the Congresswoman.
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