Visclosky Secures Additional Federal Funding for Education

Washington, D.C. – As part of his continuing commitment to funding education in Northwest Indiana, Congressman Pete Visclosky has secured $550,000 for state-of-the-art computer equipment at Valparaiso University.  The funding, included as part of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2003 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, was signed into law by President George W. Bush on February 20, 2003.

The $550,000 in federal funding for Valparaiso University will be used to purchase computer equipment for the university’s new Center for Library and Information Resources.  The latest technology will be located throughout the new center, scheduled for completion in Fall 2004, for use by students and for training sessions and workshops that will benefit citizens throughout Northwest Indiana.  This new equipment will allow students to access worldwide information databases, use the Internet, and gain hands-on learning experience with the latest computer technology.  In addition to providing more of these resources for current students and faculty, it will also appeal to prospective students who are looking for a university with these capabilities.

“The students of today will need a strong background in computer technology to compete in the workforce of tomorrow,” Visclosky said.  “By giving them these skills today, they will be ready and able to take advantage of employment opportunities throughout Northwest Indiana. I will keep working with my colleagues in both parties in Congress to secure every available dollar for education in Northwest Indiana.”

Visclosky has now secured a total of $1,550,000 for education in Northwest Indiana in FY 2003.  On October 23, 2002, he secured $1 million in the Defense Appropriations Bill for after-school anti-drug programs in the First Congressional District.  In the last four years, he has secured a total of $4 million for that program, which is administered by the Indiana National Guard.

“As the father of two sons, I know how important it is to educate our children,” Visclosky said.  “Not only does education prepare them to become productive members of society, but it also helps keep them safe from illegal drugs, gangs, and crime.  Securing federal funding for educational programs in Northwest Indiana is one of my top priorities in Congress.”