Esty: Give Defense Contractors Incentives for SHS Donations

Should defense contractors get incentives to donate to the new Sandy Hook Elementary School rebuilding effort?

U.S. Representative Elizabeth introduced legislation Tuesday that would do just that. The language comes as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, and would give preference to defense contractors who make financial or in-kind donations to support rebuilding schools following violent or traumatic incidents.

"This amendment is another opportunity for my colleagues to help ensure that Sandy Hook Elementary School students, and school children in every community across the country that has faced unimaginable tragedy, have the support they need to continue their lives and to heal," Esty said in a statement released by her office Tuesday. "The tragedy in Newtown has touched people across the country, and as a nation, we have a solemn obligation to do all we can to help this small, brave community. I’m going to continue to fight to ensure that the Newtown community has the support they need to construct a new school, heal, and continue their lives."

Last week the state of Connecticut pledged up to $50 million toward the reconstruction of Sandy Hook Elementary School, expected to be built on the site of the old school at 12 Dickenson Drive in Sandy Hook.

In the meantime, Esty and other members of congress have been busy with legislation to open even more pathways to funding for schools like Sandy Hook. In May, Esty and Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy introduced a bill to allow schools to apply for rebuilding funds through the SERV (School Emergency Response to Violence) program. The SERV program awarded the Newtown public school district $1.3 million in May to support immediate recovery actions following the shooting.

The Esty Amendment could reach the House floor for debate this week if the House Rules Committee makes it in order, Esty's office said.