FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Christianné Allen, Christianne.Allen@mail.house.gov
CONTACT: Marisa Melton, Marisa.Melton@mail.house.gov
Fulcher Co-Sponsors Legislation to Reauthorize SRS Funding Through FY26
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Russ Fulcher released the following statement after becoming an original co-sponsor of H.R. 1383, the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act.
"This funding is critical for rural communities across Idaho to keep classrooms open, roads maintained, and emergency services operating,” said Congressman Fulcher. “Every year, Idaho loses revenue in timber sales due to wildfires fueled by the federal mismanagement of our lands. I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation to help offset those losses and provide local governments with the resources they need to support their communities.”
Background:
First enacted in 2000, the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (SRS) provides funding for schools, roads, and essential services in counties with significant amounts of tax-exempt federal land.
In 2023, Idaho received the third-highest SRS funding total in the nation, only behind California and Oregon.
H.R. 1383 would reauthorize SRS payments through FY2026, ensuring continued support for rural counties that rely on this funding. Without reauthorization, these critical payments will expire, leaving many counties struggling to fund schools, road maintenance, and emergency services.
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