GPE Appropriations Update: March 2009

Unfortunately for FY 2009, the GPE Program was flat-funded once again at $2 million even though the House asked for $4 million. During the current cycle, there are more House Labor-Health & Human Services-Education Appropriations Subcommittee members than in the past who will ask for $7 million for the GPE Program for FY 2010. They include Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL), Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Nita Lowey (D-NY), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), Tim Ryan (D-OH). A couple of other House subcommittee members are also seriously considering making the GPE Program a priority. The Senate is more challenging. We expect support from most of the Democrats on the Labor-Health & Human Services-Education Appropriations Subcommittee but it is unclear whether we will find a champion. Senator Patty Murray is again trying through both the VA authorizing committee and appropriations subcommittee to get $5 million transferred to the GPE Program for a focus on veterans.