Kevin Cramer votes against children and families who depend on after-school program

Republicans and Democrats, together, agree to fund successful program

(Fargo, N.D.) — The House of Representatives voted on the evening of September 13 to increase by $100 million a popular and successful after-school program. The vote was 228–188 in favor of an amendment that allows over 100,000 students to continue to attend 21st Century Community Learning Centers, which provide academic benefits for students who attend schools that are low-performing and in high-poverty communities.

“Try as he may, Kevin Cramer failed in his effort to rob communities across North Dakota of these important funds,” said candidate Ben Hanson. “Republicans and Democrats showed they can come together to put reason and common sense above partisan games. Children, families and communities are better off despite Cramer’s vote.”

Background

• In 2016, North Dakota received $5.7 million from this program.
• In her budget proposal, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos proposed cutting the entire $1.2 billion program.