Chair of House Education & Workforce Committee Was Here

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Congressman John Kline who chairs the House Education & Workforce Committee that approved funding for American Samoa school using a new funding formula that Congresswoman Aumua Amata initiated, landed at Pago Pago International Airport yesterday.

This change in formula will increase education funding for American Samoa’s elementary and high schools from just over $10 million to $18 million beginning in the 2017-2018 school year.

Congressman Kline was part of a congressional delegation that made a refueling stop in Pago Pago on their return to the United States from Australia and the Philippine where they held discussions on national security, education, workforce training, mine safety and other issues.

Congresswoman Aumua Amata was at the airport to greet Chairman Kline and the CODEL yesterday.‘’

A press statement said following handshakes, hugs and a big hello from the entire CODEL, the congresswoman officially welcomed the group to American Samoa.

She said it’s always a pleasure to see her colleagues here on the islands.

She recognized in particular Congressman John Kline of Minnesota, Chairman of the House Education & Workforce Committee.
Aumua said Chairman Kline was more than gracious in working with me to adjust how the territories are funded for their elementary & secondary education programs.

Under his leadership, and that of Senator Alexander of Tennessee, Congress passed and the President signed into law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which will allow for a dramatic increase to the island’s elementary and secondary education funding beginning in the 2017-2018 school year.”

The ESSA, which President Obama signed into law last December, is a reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), providing states and territories funding for their elementary and secondary education programs.

The press statement said that Chairman Kline spoke for a few minutes on the working relationship he and the Congresswoman have, and graciously transferred the kudos back to Amata for her work in getting the increase for American Samoa.

He said, “Well, Amata, I would not have understood the situation at all had it not been for your leadership and persistence at making sure we got it done.

“You deserve the credit…but I’ll be glad to take the credit if you like.”

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