Making More Grants Available to Schools Impacted by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria (S. 1866)

What is S. 1866?

(Updated April 12, 2018)

This bill was enacted on September 29, 2017

This bill would provide relief to schools affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria to help Americans pursue an uninterrupted education as their communities rebuild. The Secretary of Education would be authorized to waive the federal matching requirement for Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants and the Federal Work Study program. Any remaining grant funds (up to $17.5 million) would be reallocated to colleges and universities in hurricane-impacted areas to provide financial aid to students harmed by the storms.

Grants provided under the Project School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV) program would be available to private schools to fund mental health assessments, meet emergency transportation needs, and cover increased costs for teacher overtime.

Argument in favor

This bill would help young Americans pursue an uninterrupted education despite the effects of recent hurricanes and help impacted communities recover.

Argument opposed

Congress doesn’t need to make changes to the allocation of existing grants to try and help schools and students affected by recent hurricanes.

Impact

Students, teachers, and schools; and the Dept. of Education.

Cost of S. 1866

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement praising the unanimous passage of this legislation by the Senate:

“Hurricanes Harvey hit Texas right at the start of the school year, causing delays, damage to schools, and difficult circumstances for both teachers and students. With this bill, we can help young Americans continue to pursue an uninterrupted education, and continue to deliver on our promise to provide relief to those suffering in the wake of these severe storms.”

Media:

• Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) Press Release