So we received an email from U.S. Sen. Diane Feinstein in response to parents protest

If this is not a form letter and if CA really does get the funding help she says, then I know someone, somewhere in government, has learned a lesson.

From: [email protected]
To:
Sent: 3/18/2009 1:12:31 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time
Subj: U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein responding to your message


Thank you for writing to me about education funding in the "American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" (H.R. 1). I appreciate the time you took to
write on this important issue, and welcome the opportunity to respond.
During my time in the Senate, education has been one of my top priorities. A
solid education is the most important asset we can give young people.

Many schools in California and nationwide, however, lack the resources necessary to
give students the educational opportunities that they deserve. Students
cannot properly learn in overcrowded classrooms and run-down facilities. Many
schools do not have funds to update textbooks and to provide students with
learning materials.

Teachers are underpaid for their dedication to a very
demanding profession.

Given the fact that California's budget crisis has placed a great financial
strain on our system of education, I recognize the increased importance of
ensuring that California's schools are receiving adequate Federal funding. On
February 13, 2009, Congress passed the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
of 2009".

This important legislation provides $105 billion for critical
investments in our nation's education system; investments that will help states
avoid significant teacher layoffs and other damaging education cuts, help
provide necessary resources to America's students, and help make college more
affordable.

This legislation includes:
o$13 billion for Title I Education Grants to elementary and secondary
schools.

California is estimated to receive $1.59 billion of this funding;
o$12.2 billion for special education funding through the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). California will receive approximately $1.22
billion to help school districts educate and provide services to special
needs students;

o$53.6 billion for a new State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, including $39.5
billion to local school districts, which can be used for preventing teacher
layoffs and cuts to education programs, school modernization, or for other
educational purposes. Funding can also be used for repairs to school and Higher
Education facilities;

o$2.1 billion for Head Start and Early Head Start. California will receive
approximately $82.7 million to provide comprehensive development services to
low-income infants and preschool children.

o$15.6 billion for Pell Grants to help make college more affordable and
accessible for our nation's students. This funding will increase the maximum Pell
Grant by $500 for a total of $5,350 in 2009 and $5,550 in 2010.
President Barack Obama signed the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act"
into law on February 17, 2009. To view more information about California and
this legislation, please visit my website at http://feinstein.senate.gov, and
view the press release titled "Senator Feinstein Outlines Funding Details for
California Included in Economic Recovery Package Conference Report."

Much work remains to be done to provide every child with an excellent
education in the United States. Please know that I will keep your thoughts in mind
as Congress works with President Obama to improve education. Again, thank you
for writing. If you have any further questions regarding this issue, please
do not hesitate to call my Washington, D.C. office at xxxxx.


Best
regards.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator