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Aumua Pleased with Passage of Increased Education Funding for American Samoa

December 3, 2015

Washington, D.C. –Thursday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, and the House of Representatives passed the Every Student Succeeds Act (an extension of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act - ESEA) on Wednesday, making way for a dramatic increase to education funding for American Samoa.

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Congresswoman Aumua Amata meeting with students in their cafeteria

Congresswoman Amata and students from Samoana High School earlier this year

"I could not be more pleased with the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act," said Amata. "The new formula, which is the only formula change in the entire bill, will allow for nearly a 40 percent increase in elementary and secondary education on the island. Our schools currently receive approximately $10 million a year. This will increase that number to around $14 million annually," continued Amata.

The bill reduces the role of the federal government in education for the first time since the early 1980s, transferring more control regarding accountability and school improvement back to states. The legislation also consolidates approximately 50 programs into a single big block grant and curtails the U.S. Secretary of Education's authority, while maintaining the Education Department's important enforcement protections.

"I want to thank Chairman John Kline for meeting with me personally on this matter. Following our conversation, the Chairman had a clear understanding of the issue and need for a change in the formula of how the territories are funded for K through 12 education. I am grateful for his leadership in seeing it through his committee," said Amata. "It is my hope that with this increased funding, which should begin in 2017, our schools will have better resources and equipment for our students, as well as a much needed raise for our teachers," concluded Amata.

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Issues:Education