U.S. Senate passes Secure Rural Schools reauthorization
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Zeke Lee
Joe Jackson
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On November 12, the Senate unanimously passed the Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2023 (S.2581), a major milestone for supporting our forested counties
To help ensure the reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program, counties should now focus on House advocacy following the Senate’s passage of S.2581 during the lame duck session of Congress. House members need to hear from local leaders about SRS’s importance for rural communities. SRS supports over 700 counties, and without reauthorization some will experience severe budgetary shortfalls, affecting the delivery of vital services.
Reach out to your House Representative to urge passage of SRS reauthorization legislation
NACo has provided a customizable letter to help counties urge their House members to pass S.2581 and sign a letter of support organized by Reps. Neguse and McMorris Rodgers before the November 20 deadline.
Background on SRS
Created in 2000, the SRS program provides critical funding to rural counties and schools impacted by reduced timber harvests on federal lands, while also supporting essential services like infrastructure, education and fire suppression. SRS payments will cease in 2025 without action and it’s urgent that Congress reauthorizes SRS to prevent severe budget shortfalls in forest counties next year.
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On August 13, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced it was reopening the nomination process for Resource Advisory Committee (RACs) that direct certain funding from the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. County elected officials are eligible and encouraged to apply to serve on a RAC by November 12, 2026.
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The NACo Center for Public Lands Counties advances research, policy and collaboration to help counties with federal lands address unique challenges and strengthen local outcomes.
