Governor Chet Culver of Iowa said Monday afternoon that $96 million in aid from the federal jobs bill could save the jobs of up to 1,800 teachers. Like dozens of states nationwide, Iowa faced an eight-figure budget deficit during the last fiscal year. To close the gap Culver cut the state budget by 10 percent across the board, including education spending. Money from the jobs bill will restore most of what had been cut in education.

“This,” said U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, “is a victory for America’s kids. We can’t continue to improve Iowa schools if we’re laying off teachers. This bill will prevent an unprecedented wave of teacher layoffs.”