Speech #940110270

If this Nation does. in fact. have a responsibility for these emigresand I believe we dothen it is incumbent that we propose a workable program which recognizes the essentially national character of the problem and which minimizes the adverse economic impact on State and local governments. Therefore. I am again joining my. distinguished colleague Senator CRANSTON in introducing legislation to. further amend the refugee assistance program. Under our bill. the Federal Government would fund 100 percent of the cost of refugee education in fiscal year 1976 and in the transition period 1977for totals of $71 million and $18.25 million respectively. This authorization would decline to 50 percent or $36.25 million in fiscal 1977 as the refugees themselves become taxpaying citizens and the States become more able to finance the burden from their own revenues. Following fiscal year 1977 the program would be phased out. The total 2year cost would be $125.5 million. Under our measure. the grants to State and local education agencies would be based upon full funding for each refugee student between the ages of 5 and 17 inclusive at a rate commensurate with the per pupil cost of education in that State. declining according to the schedule above. The estimated authorizations are calculated from the average national per pupil cost of $1.260 per year plus the HEW estimate of $300 per year per pupil for special refugee education needs. The total number of refugee children between the ages of 5 and 17 inclusive was estimated as 45.000also based upon HEW data. I want to emphasize that this is not another openended Impact aid program. This is a oneshot authorization designed to speed the assimilation of these refugees Into our educational system while minimizing the dislocation to our local school systems. In my talks with local and State representatives I have been impressed with their willingness to do their fair share. to face a dilemma which could involve difficulties far beyond the mere financial cost of teaching the refugees and providing them with education facilities. But these officials are rightly concerned that the added financial burden will have a serious adverse impact on the education of all of these childrenrefugee and native alikeif funds to offset their increased costs are not forthcoming. In conclusion.