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H.R. 7859 (96th): Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980


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The summary below was written by the Congressional Research Service, which is a nonpartisan division of the Library of Congress, and was published on Sep 25, 1980.


(Measure passed Senate, amended) Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 - =Title I: General Provisions= - Defines: (1) "Cuban or Haitian refugee adults or children" to mean individuals who are natives of Cuba or Haiti and who were in the United States on or after November 1, 1979; and (2) "Indochinese refugee children" to mean individuals who have fled from Cambodia, Vietnam, or Laos on or after January 1, 1979, and have been admitted into the United States as refugees, parolees, or as claimants of asylum. Authorizes lump-sum appropriations for fiscal years 1981-1983 for State educational programs and administrative costs (not to exceed one percent of the total appropriations to the State) under this Act. Provides that such entitlements shall be ratably reduced if sufficient funds are not available. Authorizes up to one percent of the total funds appropriated for all States for Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Authorizes the Secretary of Education to withhold funds from State educational agencies that fail to meet the requirements of this Act. Sets forth the procedures to be followed in such a situation. =Title II: General Assistance for Local Educational Agencies= - Directs the Secretary to make payments to State educational agencies for fiscal years 1981-1983 for assistance in providing basic education for Cuban and Haitian refugee children. States that such payments shall be $450 for each such child enrolled in public elementary and secondary schools. Provides that a State's entitlement shall be reduced by any other Federal assistance received for the same purposes. Sets forth State application requirements. Requires the Secretary to give notice and opportunity for a hearing before final disapproval of an application. =Title III: Special Impact Assistance for Substantial Increases in Refugee Attendance= - Directs the Secretary to make payments to State educational agencies for fiscal years 1981-1983 for supplementary public education costs for Cuban, Haitian and Indochinese refugee children in public and private elementary and secondary schools in eligible local educational agencies (based on number of such children in their jurisdiction). Authorizes: (1) for fiscal year 1981, $750 for each child; (2) for fiscal year 1982, $750 for each new child, and $500 for each child enrolled in 1981; and (3) for fiscal year 1983, $750 for each new child, $500 for a child enrolled in either 1981 or 1982, and $350 for a child enrolled in both 1981 and 1982. States that: (1) local educational agencies receiving Federal impact aid because of children residing on, or whose parents are employed on Federal property, shall be eligible for assistance under this Act (limited to Cuban and Haitian children); and (2) a State's entitlement shall be reduced by any other Federal assistance if eligibility for such assistance is determined by a concentration threshold of refugee children, and the allocations are based on a statutory formula for the same purposes as funds under this title. Includes within such supplementary services English language instruction, bilingual education, special materials and supplies, additional basic instructional services, and inservice training. Sets forth State application requirements. Requires a State educational agency to give notice and an opportunity for a hearing before final disapproval of a local educational agency's application for such funds. =Title IV: Adult Education Programs= - Directs the Secretary to make payments to State agencies for fiscal years 1982-1983 for adult education programs for Cubans and Haitians aged 16 or more who are not enrolled in elementary or secondary school. Authorizes $300 for each eligible person. Provides that a State's entitlement shall be reduced by any other Federal assistance received for the same purposes. States that funds under this title may be used for: (1) basic adult education; (2) administrative costs; (3) support services, including guidance and employment counseling; and (4) special projects relating to occupational and job skills. Sets forth State application requirements. Requires the Secretary to give notice and opportunity for a hearing before final disapproval of an application. =Title V: Other Provisions Relating to Cuban and Haitian Entrants= - Provides that the President: (1) shall exercise the same authorities with respect to Cuban and Haitian entrants as he has with respect to refugees under the Immigration and Nationality Act; (2) may authorize the same Federal benefits for such entrants as granted for refugees; (3) may direct any Federal agency to provide assistance (including materials, supplies, equipment, personnel, work, or facilities) for the processing, maintenance, and placement of such entrants; and (4) is authorized to reimburse State and local governments and Federal agencies for expenses incurred in providing such services. Provides for the accompanying transfer of appropriations with any transfer of responsibilities from the Federal Emergency Management Administration to other Federal agencies. Defines "Cuban and Haitian entrant" for purposes of this title.