Hurricane Relief Request Includes $1 Billion for Education

The Biden Administration sent Congress a request for $100 billion in emergency funds to address disaster relief from hurricanes Helene and Milton this season, and other natural disasters dating back to 2022. The request includes $1 billion for the Department of Education.

If the funding is approved, the higher education portion will be allocated through the Emergency Assistance to Institutions of Higher Education program, which could “provide technology and communication systems; develop school and community specific preparedness training; cover basic needs like food, shelter, medical, and transportation needs of student and staff post-disaster; and assist in mental health supports for students and staff.”  

Institutions would apply to the Department directly for funding to cover “expenses already incurred by the institution in remediation of the effects of the covered disasters or emergencies; estimated construction or reconstruction costs to repair or replace campus buildings damaged or destroyed due to the covered disasters or emergencies,” and other needs as appropriate.

In addition to the education-specific funding, the Administration requested $40 billion to replenish the Disaster Relief Fund at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is the first line of response during natural disasters.  

As Congress finalizes its work in the lame duck session, passing a bipartisan disaster relief package is a top priority, which could be enacted as a stand-alone bill or as part of a year-end package by December 20. 

For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Giesecke