Congresswoman Kathy Castor released the following statement today regarding Florida receiving $729 million through the Recovery Act for education jobs, students and schools:

“With this $729 million boost to our schools and students, more education professionals will keep their jobs, and students will receive the quality education they deserve. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act already has been credited with saving and creating approximately 24,000 education jobs in the state of Florida. This significant infusion of Recovery Act money helps our economy, our kids and our school districts.  The school district is one of the major employers in our area; today’s action by President Obama means jobs for our community, and a quality education for our children.”

In addition to the $729 million received today, Florida’s schools and students have received from the Recovery Act:

* $2 billion in state fiscal stabilization funds to avoid layoffs and modernize schools

* $491 million in Title I funds to help improve teaching and learning for schools with many high-risk students

* $671 million in IDEA funds to help students with disabilities

* $31 million in Education Technology Grants to improve technology in schools

* $32 million in Vocational Rehabilitation Funds to help students with disabilities prepare for and obtain jobs

* $8 million in Independent Living Services Funds to help disabled students become more independent

* $3 million in Mc-Kinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Funds to help homeless children

* $493 million in Pell Grants to help students pay for college

* $8 million in Work Study funds for students in Work-Study programs at college
* $7.2 million in School Improvement Grants to help students at low-performing schools