Davis Sends Letter of Support for Rural Education April 25, 2003

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Representative Lincoln Davis (TN-4) joined a group of members in sending a letter of support for full funding of the Rural Education Achievement Program (REAP) to Chairman Ralph Regula and Ranking Member David Obey of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services.

REAP contained in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act provides funding and flexibility to rural districts in two categories: small school districts and low-income school districts. The rural and small school program allows the districts to combine funds from four distinct federal programs and includes a grant component, allowing schools to apply for grants ranging from $20,000 to $60,000. The ability to combine the funds into a basic formula eases the burden on school districts that don't have all the necessary tools needed to draft a grant proposal for the separate programs.

The rural and low-income program allows states to fund competitive grants to high-poverty rural school districts. The authorized dollars may be used in the following ways: teacher recruitment, professional development, education technology, and parental involvement activities.

"Smaller and low-income schools in the 4th District could directly benefit from this great program," Davis said. "Many of these schools face unique problems not often associated with urban schools and REAP drastically addresses those problems."

Originally known as the Rural Education Initiative, REAP was included in the FY01 omnibus appropriations bill and was signed into law by President Clinton on December 2000.

Davis is a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure, Agriculture, and Science Committees.