CA Schools to Get $1.2 Billion From Federal Jobs Bill

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) _ The state aid bill President Obama signed last week is expected to provide $1.2 billion to help California's cash-strapped schools.

Uncertainty over the state budget, however, could delay plans to rehire teachers or restore school days.

The emergency legislation provides $10 billion to states to save or create estimated 160,000 education jobs, including up to 16,500 in California.

The Obama administration plans to begin distributing the education money to states later this month and wants school districts to use it to retain and rehire teachers this academic year.

But California lawmakers and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger still haven't reached agreement on a state budget for the fiscal year that began July 1, and there is no deal in sight, creating financial uncertainty among districts.