The Federal government is currently crafting its 2009 funding levels for departments and agencies, including the US Department of Education and the Public Charter School Programs.

It is critical that charter supporters voice their support for a funding increase in this year's budget. The President's budget prosed a sizeable increase for the charter programs, $236 million for the public charter school grants (the Charter Schools Program and the State Facilities Incentive Grants), an increase of of $25 million over last year, and $36.6 million for the credit enhancement for charter school facilities program. 

Federal funding for public charter schools has been invaluable as the movement has matured from 1 school in 1992 to over 4300 in 2008.  Despite this rapid growth, demand still far exceeds supply.  Currently, there are over 365,000 children on charter school waiting lists nationally.  To meet this demand, Congress should increase (for the first time in 6 years) appropriations to the charter schools programs - specifically, $236 million for the charter school grants, and $36.6 million to the credit enhancement for charter school facilities program. 

The federal public charter schools programs provide support at key points in the development of charter schools: helping cover the extraordinary costs of launching successful charters; disseminating their successful innovations to other public schools; and providing financial incentives to state governments and private lenders that help enable schools to build and renovate facilities.

Over the next months, Congress will develop its own budget numbers. To ensure the increased funding levels are sustained, contact your Congressional representatives and let them know you support increased funding for public charter schools!