Assemblyman Jim Wood pursues funding for rural after school programs

The “Rural After-School Program” bill, authored by Assemblyman Jim Wood, was unanimously passed by the full Assembly today.  AB 2615 will ensure rural school districts get their fair share of federal after school program funding.

Assemblyman Wood said, “It is essential that all students are provided with safe, social and academic after-school alternatives, and currently rural schools are not getting their fair share.  I am proud to author a bill that will adjust the funding distribution formula to reflect the reality of life in rural communities by providing more financial aid for after-school programs.”  

The current distribution of funds unfairly favors areas with higher population densities and fails to provide rural schools with the greatest need of financial assistance.  This legislation will develop a process for equitable distribution of after school program funding in each geographic region ensuring rural schools get their fair share of funding. 

“By requiring this money to be spread more evenly children in rural communities will be provided with the important academic and social support of after-school programs,” said Wood.

AB 2516 will be heard in Senate Rules Committee.