§9406 Program authorized

Summary

The Secretary must give federal grants to States, and the States must pass those grants to Local Councils to pay the federal share of local early learning programs. The federal share starts at 85% in years 1–2, drops to 80% in years 3–4, and is 75% in year 5 and after. The non-federal share can be cash or donated items and services, including the use of buildings; donated equipment counts but just borrowing equipment does not. The Secretary will not fund a State unless the State and its local governments spend at least as much on early learning this year as they did last year (not counting money used to meet the non-federal share). The federal money must add to, not replace, other federal, state, or local public funds for early learning. If the total money for the program is less than $150,000,000 in a fiscal year, the Secretary must give grants directly to Local Councils through a competitive process. In that case, some normal State rules do not apply, Local Councils take on the State’s duties for their area, and the Secretary will provide technical help, monitor use of the funds, and step in to carry out Lead State Agency duties as needed.