For Immediate Release Monday, December 08, 2003

Contact Information Jameson Cunningham (202) 225-8171 (o) 202-288-2147 (c)

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Washington - Representative Thaddeus G. McCotter (R-Livonia) today voted for passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act for FY 2004 which includes $600,000 for projects at Schoolcraft College, located in Livonia, MI.  The funding was included in the original House Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill which was incorporated into today’s spending bill.

McCotter worked with members of the House Appropriations committee so secure the funds for local projects in Michigan’s 11^th Congressional District. 

“Our community deserves to see its tax dollars working to improve local educational and employment opportunities,” said McCotter. 

 

The $600,000 in federal funds will be divided between two Schoolcraft College educational programs. 

 

$350,000 of the federal funding will be directed towards the college’s nursing program.  The program is responding to nationwide nursing shortages by updating and improving equipment and curriculum to attract more students and better prepare them for entrance into the nursing community. 

 

“My wife, a nurse, encounters problems related to our nation’s nursing shortage everyday.  This funding will improve local healthcare by addressing this critical issue affecting the lives of patients and the nurses who care for them.”

 

The remaining $250,000 will be used for curriculum development, recruitment, transportation and supplies to improve the math and science program and address the need for employees with backgrounds in those subject areas.  Specifically, the college will use the funds to provide extracurricular activities for elementary and middle school students to broaden their education in the math and science fields. 

 

The conference report approved today is the final agreement between the House and Senate and waits approval by the Senate.