REP. EDWARDS SECURES $350,000 FOR BAYLOR, TSTC, AND FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM AS BILL PASSES HOUSE - US Fed News Service, Including US State News

Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Texas (17th CD), issued the following press release:

U.S. Representative Chet Edwards has secured $350,000 for three education programs at Texas State Technical College (TSTC), Baylor, and Waco's AVANCE program under the 2008 Labor, Education, Health and Human Services Appropriations bill, which passed the House Thursday.

'Investing in education and family support services will support jobs and economic growth in Central Texas and truly make a difference in the lives of our families,' said Edwards, a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.

Edwards secured $150,000 for Texas State Technical College, which would support equipment purchases to provide increased capacity for manufacturing workforce training at TSTC Waco. Additionally, this funding would help complete purchases required to achieve National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) certification status and to replace outdated automation equipment used for training in electrical and computerized control systems and robotics.

'Supporting manufacturing jobs is crucial for future economic growth in Central Texas, which is why it was a privilege to work with TSTC leaders on this important local priority,' said Edwards.

Edwards also secured $100,000 for the Baylor University Language and Literacy Center. The funding will support the work of speech pathologists at Baylor University's Language and Literacy Center, who have been at the forefront of efforts to assess the relationship between language and reading. The Center has developed a highly effective methodology for improving literacy that has been field-tested and refined through work with roughly 1,000 students over the last five years. The only one of its kind in Texas, Baylor's 'Full-Spectrum' program has resulted in 1 to 3 years of reading-level improvement in five-week intensive summer courses, with similar results in the less-intensive, semester-long regimens.

'Helping young children to read at their respective grade levels can make a dramatic difference in their success in school and in life,' said Edwards.

Edwards also secured $100,000 for the AVANCE Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support Program in Waco. AVANCE Waco is a non-profit organization designed to help mothers and fathers become better parents through various forms of education. This investment will serve 300 families from at-risk, low income Hispanic households with parenting education, early childhood development, ESL and GED classes in Waco.

'Helping parents with jobs and parenting skills will mean healthier, more productive families,' said Edwards.

The bill must still pass the Senate and be signed by the president.Contact: Josh Taylor, 202/225-6105.

Josh Taylor, 202/225-6105.