A number of northern MREA member districts with Federal Forest land are in danger of losing Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding. SRS was funded for 2014 and 2015, but not for 2016 and beyond. This puts over 4,400 schools serving 9 million students in 41 states at risk of reducing education programs and services for students.
The Secure Rural Schools program was intended as a safety net for forest communities in 41 states. SRS payments are based on historic precedent and agreements removing federal lands from local tax bases and from full local community economic activity.
The expectation is that the federal government and Congress will develop a long-term system based on sustainable active forest management. Congress needs to act on active long-term forest management programs generating local jobs and revenues.
Take Action
- Ask your House representative to co-sponsor H.R.2340 to extend the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000.
- Ask your Senator to co0sponsor S. 1027 to extend the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000.
Please email Fred at fred@mreavoice.org if you are receiving SRS and would like further assistance in writing a letter of support.
