With Governor Don Carcieri directing that Rhode Island use $32.9 million to close a $38 million state deficit, rather than its intended purpose of restoring school programs and preventing increased class sizes by hiring back laid-off teachers, Democratic candidate for Congress David Cicilline issued the following statement today:

“There are few responsibilities as important for our government as providing a quality public education for our young people. I am disappointed to learn today that the Governor is proposing to use money specifically designated for improving public education for any other purpose than that.”

“Governor Carcieri should allow the funds Congress approved to be used for their intended purpose of restoring school programs and protecting education jobs, especially considering that he signed a state budget that cuts state education aid by $29 million for the current fiscal year. Further, with our state expected to face a deficit as large as $320 million in FY2012, the Governor should take the lead in proposing innovative ideas that will revitalize our state’s long-term fiscal future.”

“Congress approved these funds with the intention that they support school programs and protect educators from massive layoffs. The Governor’s proposal could seriously jeopardize our state’s ability to compete for future federal funds if Congress and the Obama Administration have reason to believe they will not be used for their stated and intended purpose.”

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“As our students begin another school year today, I strongly urge Governor Carcieri to reconsider his decision.”