S. 912Senate110th Congress (2007-2009)In Committee

America's Better Classroom Act of 2007

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SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Finance Committee

March 19, 2007

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

March 19, 2007

SenateIntro Referral

Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3275)

March 19, 2007

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.

Finance Committee

March 19, 2007

Floor Debate

3 members

What members said about S. 912 on the floor

1 Republican2 Democrats

Sen. Jack ReedD-RI · Mar 19, 2007

Mr. President, I rise today to join my colleague, Senator Coleman, in introducing the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act. This bipartisan legislation seeks to achieve several important goals in our battle…

Mr. President, I rise today to join my colleague, Senator Coleman, in introducing the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act.

This bipartisan legislation seeks to achieve several important goals in our battle against childhood cancer. Specifically, it will expand support for pediatric cancer research, foster the career development of more pediatric oncologists, establish a population-based national childhood database, and provide essential information and support to help families dealing with this devastating disease. Childhood cancer impacts thousands of children and their families each year. While we have made great strides in treating cancer, we have made relatively little progress in advancing our understanding of the most common forms of pediatric cancer. This legislation will provide the focus and resources to hopefully one day find a cure.

Each year, more than 12,500 children are diagnosed with cancer, and more than 2,300 of them lose their courageous battle with the disease. Pediatric cancer not only takes a toll on the child, it affects the entire family--the parents, siblings, friends, and extended family all suffer when a child has cancer. I have had the honor of meeting one such family from Warwick, RI who has taken the pain and devastation of losing their nine year old son to neuroblastoma, a very aggressive childhood cancer, and turned their tragedy into a message of hope. The Haight family is committed, in memory of their son Ben, to providing education, advocacy, and support to other families going through a similar struggle with pediatric cancer. I never had a chance to meet Ben Haight but his mother Nancy has told me of his passion for life and his tremendous sense of strength and courage. Ben fought every day during his four and a half year battle with this disease and his tragic story highlights the importance of this legislation.

It is my hope that the bill we are introducing today will help to step up our efforts with regard to childhood cancer so that one day Ben's story, and thousands of other children like him, will be one of survival. In Rhode Island alone, about eight children each year succumb to various forms of childhood cancer. Each of these children had hopes, dreams, and desires that will never be fulfilled and one cannot quantify the impact each of these children could have had on their communities and on society as a whole. We need to be doing more to give these children a chance to grow up and reach their full potential. It is expected that by 2010 one out of 350 adults will be a survivor of childhood cancer.

The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act will build the foundation necessary to enhance federal efforts in the fight against childhood cancer and will also complement the incredible work of the network of organizations around the country dedicated to the prevention and cure of pediatric cancer.

I look forward to working with my colleagues toward swift passage of this important legislation.

I ask unanimous consent that the text of this legislation be printed in the record.

Sen. John D. Rockefeller IVD-WV · Mar 19, 2007

Mr. President, today I am reintroducing America's Better Classroom Act, an essential initiative to respond to the overwhelming needs for school construction and renovations. I welcome the support of my colleagues, Senator Harkin, and Senator Kerry, who have been strong leaders on school construction and education policy. This bill is a wise investment in education and economic development; it creates jobs while we build and renovate our schools.

The Department of Education reports that the average public school building is 42 years old. In 1995, GAO estimated that we needed $112 billion for school construction and renovations of the three-quarters of our schools that need funding to bring the buildings into good overall condition. A more recent survey in 2001 in the Journal of Education Finance indicates that the need is increasing, and the unmet need for school infrastructure over the next decade is over $200 billion. My State of West Virginia will need as much as $2 billion for school construction and renovations.

Combine these statistics with the fact that there is a proven relation between the condition of school buildings and the performance of students, and it is not difficult to see that the state of our schools is entirely unacceptable. It is our responsibility to do all we can to remedy this situation.

America's Better Classroom Act provides the financial tools to do this. It will continue the Qualified Zone Academy Bonding (QZAB) Program, which, in recent years, has provided $4.2 million for support of school construction and renovations in disadvantaged communities. This provision would provide $2.8 billion to continue and expand the successful QZAB Program. Effective programs deserve continued support.

But the truth is that many school districts need help with school construction and renovations, but cannot qualify for the QZAB program. This is why the America's Better Classroom Act creates a $22 billion Qualified School Bonding Program. Funding will be allocated to the States based on the Title 1 formula so it is targeted, but the States will have flexibility in allocating support among school districts.

When I visit schools in West Virginia, I am often stunned by the aging buildings and compelling needs. In our fast-growing Eastern Panhandle, new schools must be built or renovated to accommodate rapid population growth. In other parts of the State, older school buildings need renovations to be safe learning environments for our students. As technology plays an increasingly important role in education, classrooms need to be updated.

States and communities need the America's Better Classroom Act so that we can make needed investments. School construction can play a positive role in helping to stimulate our economy and create needed jobs and is also an important investment in our children's education.

Sen. John D. Rockefeller IVD-WV · Mar 19, 2007

Sen. Larry E. CraigR-ID · Mar 19, 2007

Mr. President, I rise today with the support of my colleague Senator Cantwell to introduce the Minidoka National Historic Site Act of 2007. This act will modify the boundary of the Minidoka…

Mr. President, I rise today with the support of my colleague Senator Cantwell to introduce the Minidoka National Historic Site Act of 2007. This act will modify the boundary of the Minidoka Internment National Monument to establish the Minidoka National Historic Site.

Adjacent to the Minidoka Internment National Monument is Herrmann farm. Herrmann farm plays a historically significant role to the people of Idaho and the United States. During World War II, the Herrmann farm area was part of the Minidoka Relocation Center, one of the 10 city- like camps where Americans of Japanese descent were interned.

Herrmann farm is also an excellent example of how relocation center land was transformed after the war into small family farms suitable for irrigation and farming. Many of these farms were allotted to World War II veterans. These veteran settlers put forth the same stubborn American spirit and ingenuity with which they helped to win the war, to promote the farm area into a fruitful and prosperous agricultural section.

Herrmann farm became one of a few Farm-In-A-Day sites within the United States, where members of a community joined together in the creation of a farm site within one day.

The Minidoka Internment National Monument area is also a notable educational tool for residents of Idaho and the United States. Herrmann farm is an excellent location to inform the public about the post-camp homesteading era and agriculture in south-central Idaho as buildings, features, and artifacts from both the relocation center and the Farm- In-A-Day are present at the Minidoka site.

In addition to the historical and educational importance of Herrmann farm, the Minidoka Internment National Site honors the hardships and sacrifices of those Japanese Americans imprisoned during World War II. Many of the Japanese American's who lived at this site are reaching considerable age and want to see this area preserved for future generations.

The site will incorporate the Nidoto Nai Yoni, ``Let it not happen again'', memorial that commemorates those courageous Japanese Americans of Bainbridge Island, WA, who were the first to be forcibly removed from their homes and relocated to internment camps during World War II.

I ask the Senate to move swiftly on this bill, so the remaining few Japanese Americans who are still alive today can revisit this site that holds such meaningful memories. It is with pleasure and the support of the Senator from Washington, that I introduce this act which preserves areas of historical and educational importance for the people of Idaho, Washington and the United States.

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Introduced in SenateIssued March 19, 2007

110th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 912

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

March 19, 2007

Mr. Rockefeller (for himself, Mr. Harkin, and Mr. Kerry) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance

A BILL

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to expand the incentives for the construction and renovation of public schools.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the America’s Better Classroom Act of 2007.

Expansion of incentives for public schools

(a)

In general

Chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subchapter:

Public school modernization provisions

Sec. 1400U. Credit to holders of qualified public school modernization bonds.

Sec. 1400V. Qualified school construction bonds.

Sec. 1400W. Qualified zone academy bonds.

Sec. 1400X. Qualified tribal school modernization bonds.

1400U.

Credit to holders of qualified public school modernization bonds

(a)

Allowance of credit

In the case of a taxpayer who holds a qualified public school modernization bond on a credit allowance date of such bond which occurs during the taxable year, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this chapter for such taxable year an amount equal to the sum of the credits determined under subsection (b) with respect to credit allowance dates during such year on which the taxpayer holds such bond.

(b)

Amount of credit

(1)

In general

The amount of the credit determined under this subsection with respect to any credit allowance date for a qualified public school modernization bond is 25 percent of the annual credit determined with respect to such bond.

(2)

Annual credit

The annual credit determined with respect to any qualified public school modernization bond is the product of—

(A)

the applicable credit rate, multiplied by

(B)

the outstanding face amount of the bond.

(3)

Applicable credit rate

For purposes of paragraph (1), the applicable credit rate with respect to an issue is the rate equal to an average market yield (as of the day before the date of issuance of the issue) on outstanding long-term corporate debt obligations (determined under regulations prescribed by the Secretary).

(4)

Special rule for issuance and redemption

In the case of a bond which is issued during the 3-month period ending on a credit allowance date, the amount of the credit determined under this subsection with respect to such credit allowance date shall be a ratable portion of the credit otherwise determined based on the portion of the 3-month period during which the bond is outstanding. A similar rule shall apply when the bond is redeemed.

(c)

Limitation based on amount of tax

(1)

In general

The credit allowed under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall not exceed the excess of—

(A)

the sum of the regular tax liability (as defined in section 26(b)) plus the tax imposed by section 55, over

(B)

the sum of the credits allowable under part IV of subchapter A (other than subpart C thereof, relating to refundable credits, and subpart H thereof).

(2)

Carryover of unused credit

If the credit allowable under subsection (a) exceeds the limitation imposed by paragraph (1) for such taxable year, such excess shall be carried to the succeeding taxable year and added to the credit allowable under subsection (a) for such taxable year.

(d)

Qualified public school modernization bond; credit allowance date

For purposes of this section—

(1)

Qualified public school modernization bond

The term qualified public school modernization bond means—

(A)

a qualified zone academy bond,

(B)

a qualified school construction bond, and

(C)

a qualified tribal school modernization bond.

(2)

Credit allowance date

The term credit allowance date means—

(A)

March 15,

(B)

June 15,

(C)

September 15, and

(D)

December 15.

Such term includes the last day on which the bond is outstanding.

(e)

Other definitions

For purposes of this subchapter—

(1)

Local educational agency

The term local educational agency has the meaning given to such term by section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Such term includes the local educational agency that serves the District of Columbia but does not include any other State agency.

(2)

Bond

The term bond includes any obligation.

(3)

State

The term State includes the District of Columbia and any possession of the United States.

(4)

Public school facility

The term public school facility shall not include—

(A)

any stadium or other facility primarily used for athletic contests or exhibitions or other events for which admission is charged to the general public, or

(B)

any facility which is not owned by a State or local government or any agency or instrumentality of a State or local government.

(f)

Credit included in gross income

Gross income includes the amount of the credit allowed to the taxpayer under this section (determined without regard to subsection (c)) and the amount so included shall be treated as interest income.

(g)

Credit treated as nonrefundable bondholder credit

For purposes of this title, the credit allowed by this section shall be treated as a credit allowable under subpart H of part IV of subchapter A of this chapter.

(h)

S corporations

In the case of a qualified public school modernization bond held by an S corporation—

(1)

each shareholder shall take into account such shareholder's pro rata share of the credit, and

(2)

no basis adjustments to the stock of the corporation shall be made under section 1367 on account of this section.

(i)

Other pass-thru entities

(1)

In general

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, in the case of a partnership, trust, or other pass-thru entity, rules similar to the rules of section 41(g) shall apply with respect to the credit allowable under subsection (a).

(2)

No basis

In the case of a bond held by a partnership, rules similar to the rules under subsection (h)(2) shall apply.

(j)

Bonds held by regulated investment companies

If any qualified public school modernization bond is held by a regulated investment company, the credit determined under subsection (a) shall be allowed to shareholders of such company under procedures prescribed by the Secretary.

(k)

Recapture of portion of credit where cessation of compliance

(1)

In general

If any bond which when issued purported to be a qualified public school modernization bond ceases to be a qualified public school modernization bond, the issuer shall pay to the United States (at the time required by the Secretary) an amount equal to the sum of—

(A)

the aggregate of the credits allowable under this section with respect to such bond (determined without regard to subsection (c)) for taxable years ending during the calendar year in which such cessation occurs and the 2 preceding calendar years, and

(B)

interest at the underpayment rate under section 6621 on the amount determined under subparagraph (A) for each calendar year for the period beginning on the first day of such calendar year.

(2)

Failure to pay

If the issuer fails to timely pay the amount required by paragraph (1) with respect to such bond, the tax imposed by this chapter on each holder of any such bond which is part of such issue shall be increased (for the taxable year of the holder in which such cessation occurs) by the aggregate decrease in the credits allowed under this section to such holder for taxable years beginning in such 3 calendar years which would have resulted solely from denying any credit under this section with respect to such issue for such taxable years.

(3)

Special rules

(A)

Tax benefit rule

The tax for the taxable year shall be increased under paragraph (2) only with respect to credits allowed by reason of this section which were used to reduce tax liability. In the case of credits not so used to reduce tax liability, the carryforwards and carrybacks under section 39 shall be appropriately adjusted.

(B)

No credits against tax

Any increase in tax under paragraph (2) shall not be treated as a tax imposed by this chapter for purposes of determining—

(i)

the amount of any credit allowable under this part, or

(ii)

the amount of the tax imposed by section 55.

(l)

Credits may be stripped

Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary—

(1)

In general

There may be a separation (including at issuance) of the ownership of a qualified public school modernization bond and the entitlement to the credit under this section with respect to such bond. In case of any such separation, the credit under this section shall be allowed to the person who on the credit allowance date holds the instrument evidencing the entitlement to the credit and not to the holder of the bond.

(2)

Certain rules to apply

In the case of a separation described in paragraph (1), the rules of section 1286 shall apply to the qualified public school modernization bond as if it were a stripped bond and to the credit under this section as if it were a stripped coupon.

(m)

Treatment for estimated tax purposes

Solely for purposes of sections 6654 and 6655, the credit allowed by this section to a taxpayer by reason of holding a qualified public school modernization bonds on a credit allowance date shall be treated as if it were a payment of estimated tax made by the taxpayer on such date.

(n)

Credit may be transferred

Nothing in any law or rule of law shall be construed to limit the transferability of the credit allowed by this section through sale and repurchase agreements.

(o)

Reporting

Issuers of qualified public school modernization bonds shall submit reports similar to the reports required under section 149(e).

(p)

Termination

This section shall not apply to any bond issued after September 30, 2008 (December 31, 2013, in the case of any qualified tribal school modernization bond).

1400V.

Qualified school construction bonds

(a)

Qualified school construction bond

For purposes of this subchapter, the term qualified school construction bond means any bond issued as part of an issue if—

(1)

95 percent or more of the proceeds of such issue are to be used for the construction, rehabilitation, or repair of a public school facility or for the acquisition of land on which such a facility is to be constructed with part of the proceeds of such issue,

(2)

the bond is issued by a State or local government within the jurisdiction of which such school is located,

(3)

the issuer designates such bond for purposes of this section, and

(4)

the term of each bond which is part of such issue does not exceed 15 years.

(b)

Limitation on amount of bonds designated

The maximum aggregate face amount of bonds issued during any calendar year which may be designated under subsection (a) by any issuer shall not exceed the limitation amount allocated under subsection (d) for such calendar year to such issuer.

(c)

National limitation on amount of bonds designated

There is a national qualified school construction bond limitation for each calendar year. Such limitation is—

(1)

$11,000,000,000 for 2007,

(2)

$11,000,000,000 for 2008, and

(3)

except as provided in subsection (f), zero after 2008.

(d)

Limitation allocated among States

(1)

In general

The limitation applicable under subsection (c) for any calendar year shall be allocated by the Secretary among the States in proportion to the respective amounts each such State received for basic grants under section 1124 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 for the most recent fiscal year ending before such calendar year. The limitation amount allocated to a State under the preceding sentence shall be allocated by the State to issuers within such State, recognizing the varying needs for rural, high growth, and urban school districts.

(2)

Minimum allocations to States

(A)

In general

The Secretary shall adjust the allocations under this subsection for any calendar year for each State to the extent necessary to ensure that the amount allocated to such State under this subsection for such year is not less than an amount equal to such State’s minimum percentage of the amount to be allocated under paragraph (1) for the calendar year.

(B)

Minimum percentage

A State’s minimum percentage for any calendar year is the minimum percentage described in section 1124(d) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 for such State for the most recent fiscal year ending before such calendar year.

(3)

Allocations to certain possessions

The amount to be allocated under paragraph (1) to any possession of the United States other than Puerto Rico shall be the amount which would have been allocated if all allocations under paragraph (1) were made on the basis of respective populations of individuals below the poverty line (as defined by the Office of Management and Budget). In making other allocations, the amount to be allocated under paragraph (1) shall be reduced by the aggregate amount allocated under this paragraph to possessions of the United States.

(e)

Carryover of unused limitation

If for any calendar year—

(1)

the amount allocated under subsection (d) to any State, exceeds

(2)

the amount of bonds issued during such year which are designated under subsection (a) pursuant to such allocation, the limitation amount under such subsection for such State for the following calendar year shall be increased by the amount of such excess. A similar rule shall apply to the amounts allocated under subsection (d)(4).

(f)

Special rules relating to arbitrage

(1)

In general

A bond shall not be treated as failing to meet the requirement of subsection (a)(1) solely by reason of the fact that the proceeds of the issue of which such bond is a part are invested for a temporary period (but not more than 36 months) until such proceeds are needed for the purpose for which such issue was issued.

(2)

Binding commitment requirement

Paragraph (1) shall apply to an issue only if, as of the date of issuance, there is a reasonable expectation that—

(A)

at least 10 percent of the proceeds of the issue will be spent within the 6-month period beginning on such date for the purpose for which such issue was issued, and

(B)

the remaining proceeds of the issue will be spent with due diligence for such purpose.

(3)

Earnings on proceeds

Any earnings on proceeds during the temporary period shall be treated as proceeds of the issue for purposes of applying subsection (a)(1) and paragraph (1) of this subsection.

1400W.

Qualified zone academy bonds

(a)

Qualified zone academy bond

For purposes of this subchapter—

(1)

In general

The term qualified zone academy bond means any bond issued as part of an issue if—

(A)

95 percent or more of the proceeds of such issue are to be used for a qualified purpose with respect to a qualified zone academy established by a local educational agency,

(B)

the bond is issued by a State or local government within the jurisdiction of which such academy is located,

(C)

the issuer—

(i)

designates such bond for purposes of this section,

(ii)

certifies that it has written assurances that the private business contribution requirement of paragraph (2) will be met with respect to such academy, and

(iii)

certifies that it has the written approval of the local educational agency for such bond issuance,

(D)

the term of each bond which is part of such issue does not exceed 15 years, and

(E)

the issue meets the requirements of subsections (c) and (d).

(2)

Private business contribution requirement

(A)

In general

For purposes of paragraph (1), the private business contribution requirement of this paragraph is met with respect to any issue if the local educational agency that established the qualified zone academy has written commitments from private entities to make qualified contributions having a present value (as of the date of issuance of the issue) of not less than 10 percent of the proceeds of the issue.

(B)

Qualified contributions

For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term qualified contribution means any contribution (of a type and quality acceptable to the local educational agency) of—

(i)

equipment for use in the qualified zone academy (including state-of-the-art technology and vocational equipment),

(ii)

technical assistance in developing curriculum or in training teachers in order to promote appropriate market driven technology in the classroom,

(iii)

services of employees as volunteer mentors,

(iv)

internships, field trips, or other educational opportunities outside the academy for students, or

(v)

any other property or service specified by the local educational agency.

(3)

Qualified zone academy

The term qualified zone academy means any public school (or academic program within a public school) which is established by and operated under the supervision of a local educational agency to provide education or training below the postsecondary level if—

(A)

such public school or program (as the case may be) is designed in cooperation with business to enhance the academic curriculum, increase graduation and employment rates, and better prepare students for the rigors of college and the increasingly complex workforce,

(B)

students in such public school or program (as the case may be) will be subject to the same academic standards and assessments as other students educated by the local educational agency,

(C)

the comprehensive education plan of such public school or program is approved by the local educational agency, and

(D)(i)

such public school is located in an empowerment zone or enterprise community (including any such zone or community designated after the date of the enactment of this section), or

(ii)

there is a reasonable expectation (as of the date of issuance of the bonds) that at least 35 percent of the students attending such school or participating in such program (as the case may be) will be eligible for free or reduced-cost lunches under the school lunch program established under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act.

(4)

Qualified purpose

The term qualified purpose means, with respect to any qualified zone academy—

(A)

constructing, rehabilitating, or repairing the public school facility in which the academy is established,

(B)

acquiring the land on which such facility is to be constructed with part of the proceeds of such issue,

(C)

providing equipment for use at such academy,

(D)

developing course materials for education to be provided at such academy, and

(E)

training teachers and other school personnel in such academy.

(b)

Limitations on amount of bonds designated

(1)

In general

There is a national zone academy bond limitation for each calendar year. Such limitation is—

(A)

$1,400,000 for 2007,

(B)

$1,400,000 for 2008, and

(C)

except as provided in paragraph (3), zero after 2008.

(2)

Allocation of limitation

(A)

Allocation among States

The national zone academy bond limitations for any calendar year shall be allocated by the Secretary among the States in proportion to the respective amounts each such State received for basic grants under section 1124 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 for the most recent fiscal year ending before such calendar year.

(B)

Allocation to local educational agencies

The limitation amount allocated to a State under subparagraph (A) shall be allocated by the State to qualified zone academies within such State.

(C)

Designation subject to limitation amount

The maximum aggregate face amount of bonds issued during any calendar year which may be designated under subsection (a) with respect to any qualified zone academy shall not exceed the limitation amount allocated to such academy under subparagraph (B) for such calendar year.

(3)

Carryover of unused limitation

If for any calendar year—

(A)

the limitation amount under this subsection for any State, exceeds

(B)

the amount of bonds issued during such year which are designated under subsection (a) (or the corresponding provisions of prior law) with respect to qualified zone academies within such State, the limitation amount under this subsection for such State for the following calendar year shall be increased by the amount of such excess.

(c)

Special rules relating to expenditures

(1)

In general

An issue shall be treated as meeting the requirements of this subsection if, as of the date of issuance, the issuer reasonably expects—

(A)

at least 95 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the issue are to be spent for 1 or more qualified purposes with respect to qualified zone academies within the 5-year period beginning on the date of issuance of the qualified zone academy bond,

(B)

a binding commitment with a third party to spend at least 10 percent of the proceeds from the sale of the issue will be incurred within the 6-month period beginning on the date of issuance of the qualified zone academy bond, and

(C)

such purposes will be completed with due diligence and the proceeds from the sale of the issue will be spent with due diligence.

(2)

Extension of period

Upon submission of a request prior to the expiration of the period described in paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary may extend such period if the issuer establishes that the failure to satisfy the 5-year requirement is due to reasonable cause and the related purposes will continue to proceed with due diligence.

(3)

Failure to spend required amount of bond proceeds within 5 years

To the extent that less than 95 percent of the proceeds of such issue are expended by the close of the 5-year period beginning on the date of issuance (or if an extension has been obtained under paragraph (2), by the close of the extended period), the issuer shall redeem all of the nonqualified bonds within 90 days after the end of such period. For purposes of this paragraph, the amount of the nonqualified bonds required to be redeemed shall be determined in the same manner as under section 142.

(d)

Special rules relating to arbitrage

An issue shall be treated as meeting the requirements of this subsection if the issuer satisfies the arbitrage requirements of section 148 with respect to proceeds of the issue.

1400X.

Qualified tribal school modernization bonds

(a)

Qualified tribal school modernization bond

For purposes of this subchapter—

(1)

In general

The term qualified tribal school modernization bond means, subject to paragraph (2), any bond issued as part of an issue under section 3(c) of the America’s Better Classroom Act of 2007, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this section, if—

(A)

95 percent or more of the proceeds of such issue are to be used for the construction, rehabilitation, or repair of a school facility funded by the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the Department of the Interior or for the acquisition of land on which such a facility is to be constructed with part of the proceeds of such issue,

(B)

the bond is issued by an Indian tribe,

(C)

the issuer designates such bond for purposes of this section, and

(D)

the term of each bond which is part of such issue does not exceed 15 years.

(2)

National limitation on amount of bonds designated

(A)

National limitation

There is a national qualified tribal school modernization bond limitation for each calendar year. Such limitation is—

(i)

$200,000,000 for 2007,

(ii)

$200,000,000 for 2008, and

(iii)

zero after 2008.

(B)

Allocation of limitation

The national qualified tribal school modernization bond limitation shall be allocated to Indian tribes by the Secretary of the Interior subject to the provisions of section 3 of the America’s Better Classroom Act of 2007, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this section.

(C)

Designation subject to limitation amount

The maximum aggregate face amount of bonds issued during any calendar year which may be designated under paragraph (1) with respect to any Indian tribe shall not exceed the limitation amount allocated to such government under subparagraph (B) for such calendar year.

(D)

Carryover of unused limitation

If for any calendar year—

(i)

the limitation amount under this paragraph, exceeds

(ii)

the amount of qualified tribal school modernization bonds issued during such year, the limitation amount under this paragraph for the following calendar year shall be increased by the amount of such excess. The preceding sentence shall not apply if such following calendar year is after 2015.

(b)

Tribe

For purposes of this section, the term tribe has the meaning given the term Indian tribal government by section 7701(a)(40), including the application of section 7871(d). Such term includes any consortium of tribes approved by the Secretary of the Interior.

(b)

Reporting

Subsection (d) of section 6049 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to returns regarding payments of interest) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(9)

Reporting of credit on qualified public school modernization bonds

(A)

In general

For purposes of subsection (a), the term interest includes amounts includible in gross income under section 1400U(f) and such amounts shall be treated as paid on the credit allowance date (as defined in section 1400U(d)(2)).

(B)

Reporting to corporations, etc

Except as otherwise provided in regulations, in the case of any interest described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, subsection (b)(4) of this section shall be applied without regard to subparagraphs (A), (H), (I), (J), (K), and (L)(i).

(C)

Regulatory authority

The Secretary may prescribe such regulations as are necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this paragraph, including regulations which require more frequent or more detailed reporting.

(c)

Conforming amendments

(1)

Subchapter U of chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking part IV, by redesignating part V as part IV, and by redesignating section 1397F as section 1397E.

(2)

Sections 54(l)(3)(B) and 1400N(l)(7)(B)(ii) are each amended by striking section 1397E(l) and inserting section 1400U(h).

(3)

The table of subchapters for chapter 1 of such Code is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

Subchapter Z. Public school modernization provisions.

(4)

The table of parts of subchapter U of chapter 1 of such Code is amended by striking the last 2 items and inserting the following new item:

Part IV. Regulations.

(d)

Sovereign immunity

This section and the amendments made by this section shall not be construed to impact, limit, or affect the sovereign immunity of the Federal Government or any State or tribal government.

(e)

Effective dates

(1)

In general

Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the amendments made by this section shall apply to obligations issued after December 31, 2006.

(2)

Repeal of restriction on zone academy bond holders

In the case of bonds to which section 1397E of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as in effect before the date of the enactment of this Act) applies, the limitation of such section to eligible taxpayers (as defined in subsection (d)(6) of such section) shall not apply after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Indian school construction

(a)

Definitions

In this section:

(1)

Bureau

The term Bureau means the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the Department.

(2)

Department

The term Department means the Department of the Interior.

(3)

Escrow account

The term escrow account means the tribal school modernization escrow account established under subsection (b)(6)(B)(i).

(4)

Indian

The term Indian means any individual who is a member of an Indian tribe.

(5)

Indian tribe

(A)

In general

The term Indian tribe has the meaning given the term Indian tribal government by section 7701(a)(40) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (including the application of section 7871(d) of that Code).

(B)

Inclusion

The term Indian tribe includes a consortium of Indian tribes approved by the Secretary.

(6)

Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of the Interior.

(7)

Tribal school

The term tribal school means an elementary school, secondary school, or dormitory that—

(A)

is operated by a tribal organization or the Bureau for the education of Indian children; and

(B)

under a contract, a grant, or an agreement, or for a Bureau-operated school, receives financial assistance to pay the costs of operation from funds made available under—

(i)

section 102, 103(a), or 208 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450f, 450h(a), 458d); or

(ii)

the Tribally Controlled Schools Act of 1988 (25 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.).

(b)

Issuance of bonds

(1)

In general

The Secretary shall establish a pilot program under which eligible Indian tribes may issue qualified tribal school modernization bonds to provide funding for the construction, rehabilitation, or repair of tribal schools (including the advance planning and design of tribal schools).

(2)

Eligibility

(A)

In general

To be eligible to issue any qualified tribal school modernization bond under the program under paragraph (1), an Indian tribe shall—

(i)

prepare and submit to the Secretary a plan of construction that meets the requirements of subparagraph (B);

(ii)

provide for quarterly and final inspection of the project by the Bureau; and

(iii)

pledge that the facilities financed by the bond will be used primarily for elementary and secondary educational purposes for not less than the period during which the bond remains outstanding.

(B)

Plan of construction

A plan of construction referred to in subparagraph (A)(i) meets the requirements of this subparagraph if the plan—

(i)

contains a description of the construction to be carried out with funding provided under a qualified tribal school modernization bond;

(ii)

demonstrates that a comprehensive survey has been completed to determine the construction needs of the tribal school involved;

(iii)

contains assurances that funding under the bond will be used only for the activities described in the plan;

(iv)

contains a response to the evaluation criteria contained in Instructions and Application for Replacement School Construction, Revision 6, dated February 6, 1999; and

(v)

contains any other reasonable and related information determined to be appropriate by the Secretary.

(C)

Priority

In determining whether an Indian tribe is eligible to participate in the program under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to an Indian tribe that, as demonstrated by the relevant plans of construction, will fund projects—

(i)

described in the Education Facilities Replacement Construction Priorities List, as of fiscal year 2000, of the Bureau (65 Fed. Reg. 4623);

(ii)

described in any subsequent priorities list published in the Federal Register; or

(iii)

that meet the criteria for ranking schools as described in Instructions and Application for Replacement School Construction, Revision 6, dated February 6, 1999.

(D)

Advance planning and design funding

(i)

In general

An Indian tribe may propose in the plan of construction of the Indian tribe to receive advance planning and design funding from the escrow account.

(ii)

Conditions on allocation of funds

As a condition to the allocation to an Indian tribe of advance planning and design funds from the escrow account under clause (i), the Indian tribe shall agree—

(I)

to issue qualified tribal school modernization bonds after the date of receipt of the funds; and

(II)

as a condition of each bond issuance, that the Indian tribe will deposit into the escrow account, or a fund managed by the trustee as described in paragraph (4)(C), an amount equal to the amount of funds received from the escrow account.

(3)

Permissible activities

In addition to the use of funds permitted under paragraph (1), an Indian tribe may use amounts received through the issuance of a qualified tribal school modernization bond—

(A)

to enter into and make payments under contracts with licensed and bonded architects, engineers, and construction firms—

(i)

to determine the needs of the tribal school; and

(ii)

for the design and engineering of the tribal school;

(B)

enter into and make payments under contracts with financial advisers, underwriters, attorneys, trustees, and other professionals who would be able to provide assistance to the Indian tribe in issuing bonds; and

(C)

carry out other activities determined to be appropriate by the Secretary.

(4)

Bond trustee

(A)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any qualified tribal school modernization bond issued by an Indian tribe under this subsection shall be subject to a trust agreement between the Indian tribe and a trustee.

(B)

Trustee

Any bank or trust company that meets requirements established by the Secretary may be designated as a trustee under subparagraph (A).

(C)

Content of trust agreement

A trust agreement entered into by an Indian tribe under this paragraph shall specify that the trustee, with respect to any bond issued under this subsection, shall—

(i)

act as a repository for the proceeds of the bond;

(ii)

make payments to bondholders;

(iii)

receive, as a condition to the issuance of the bond, a transfer of funds from the escrow account, or from other funds furnished by or on behalf of the Indian tribe, in an amount that (including interest earnings from the investment of the funds in obligations of, or fully guaranteed by, the United States, or from other investments authorized by paragraph (10)) will produce funds sufficient to timely pay in full the entire principal amount of the bond on the stated maturity date of the bond;

(iv)

invest the funds transferred under clause (iii) in an investment described in that clause; and

(v)(I)

hold and invest the funds transferred under clause (iii) in a segregated fund or account under the agreement; and

(II)

use the fund or account solely for payment of the costs of items described in paragraph (3).

(D)

Requirements for making direct payments

(i)

Payments

(I)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the trustee shall make any payment referred to in subparagraph (C)(v) in accordance with such requirements as the Indian tribe shall prescribe in the trust agreement entered into under subparagraph (C).

(II)

Inspection

Before making a payment for a project to a contractor under subparagraph (C)(v), to ensure completion of the project, the trustee shall require an inspection of the project by—

(aa)

a local financial institution; or

(bb)

an independent inspecting architect or engineer.

(ii)

Contracts

Each contract referred to in paragraph (3) shall specify, or be renegotiated to specify, that payments under the contract shall be made in accordance with this paragraph.

(5)

Payments of principal and interest

(A)

Principal

(i)

In general

No principal payment on any qualified tribal school modernization bond shall be required under this subsection until the final, stated date on which the bond reaches maturity.

(ii)

Maturity; outstanding principal

With respect to a qualified tribal school modernization bond issued under this subsection—

(I)

the bond shall reach maturity not later than 15 years after the date of issuance of the bond; and

(II)

on the date on which the bond reaches maturity, the entire outstanding principal under the bond shall become due and payable.

(B)

Interest

There shall be awarded a tax credit under section 1400U of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 in lieu of interest on a qualified tribal school modernization bond issued under this subsection.

(6)

Bond guarantees

(A)

In general

Payment of the principal portion of a qualified tribal school modernization bond issued under this subsection shall be guaranteed solely by amounts deposited with each respective bond trustee as described in paragraph (4)(C)(iii).

(B)

Establishment of account

(i)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary may—

(I)

establish a tribal school modernization escrow account; and

(II)

beginning in fiscal year 2008, from amounts made available for school replacement under the construction account of the Bureau, deposit not more than $30,000,000 for each fiscal year into the escrow account.

(ii)

Transfers of excess proceeds

Excess proceeds held under any trust agreement that are not needed for any of the purposes described in clauses (iii) and (v) of paragraph (4)(C) shall be transferred, from time to time, by the trustee for deposit into the escrow account.

(iii)

Payments

The Secretary shall use any amounts deposited in the escrow account under clauses (i) and (ii)—

(I)

to make payments to trustees appointed and acting in accordance with paragraph (4); or

(II)

to make payments described in paragraph (2)(D).

(7)

Limitations

(A)

Obligation to repay

(i)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the principal amount on any qualified tribal school modernization bond issued under this subsection shall be repaid only to the extent of any escrowed funds provided under paragraph (4)(C)(iii).

(ii)

No guarantee

No qualified tribal school modernization bond issued by an Indian tribe under this subsection shall be an obligation of, and no payment of the principal of such a bond shall be guaranteed by—

(I)

the United States;

(II)

the Indian tribe; or

(III)

the tribal school for which the bond was issued.

(B)

Land and facilities

No land or facility purchased or improved with amounts derived from a qualified tribal school modernization bond issued under this subsection shall be mortgaged or used as collateral for the bond.

(8)

Sale of bonds

A qualified tribal school modernization bond may be sold at a purchase price equal to, in excess of, or at a discount from, the par amount of the bond.

(9)

Treatment of trust agreement earnings

No amount earned through the investment of funds under the control of a trustee under any trust agreement described in paragraph (4) shall be subject to Federal income taxation.

(10)

Investment of sinking funds

A sinking fund established for the purpose of the payment of principal on a qualified tribal school modernization bond issued under this subsection shall be invested in—

(A)

obligations issued by or guaranteed by the United States; or

(B)

such other assets as the Secretary of the Treasury may by regulation allow.

Application of certain labor standards on construction projects financed under public school modernization program

Section 439 of the General Education Provisions Act (20 U.S.C. 1232b) is amended—

(1)

by inserting (a) before All laborers and mechanics, and

(2)

by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(b)(1)

For purposes of this section, the term applicable program also includes the qualified zone academy bond provisions enacted by section 226 of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 and the program established by section 2 of the America’s Better Classroom Act of 2007.

(2)

A State or local government participating in a program described in paragraph (1) shall—

(A)

in the awarding of contracts, give priority to contractors with substantial numbers of employees residing in the local education area to be served by the school being constructed; and

(B)

include in the construction contract for such school a requirement that the contractor give priority in hiring new workers to individuals residing in such local education area.

(3)

In the case of a program described in paragraph (1), nothing in this subsection or subsection (a) shall be construed to deny any tax credit allowed under such program. If amounts are required to be withheld from contractors to pay wages to which workers are entitled, such amounts shall be treated as expended for construction purposes in determining whether the requirements of such program are met.

Employment and training activities relating to construction or reconstruction of public school facilities

(a)

In general

Section 134 of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2864) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(f)

Local employment and training activities relating to construction or reconstruction of public school facilities

(1)

In general

In order to provide training services related to construction or reconstruction of public school facilities receiving funding assistance under an applicable program, each State shall establish a specialized program of training meeting the following requirements:

(A)

The specialized program provides training for jobs in the construction industry.

(B)

The program provides trained workers for projects for the construction or reconstruction of public school facilities receiving funding assistance under an applicable program.

(C)

The program ensures that skilled workers (residing in the area to be served by the school facilities) will be available for the construction or reconstruction work.

(2)

Coordination

The specialized program established under paragraph (1) shall be integrated with other activities under this Act, with the activities carried out under the National Apprenticeship Act of 1937 by the State Apprenticeship Council or through the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training in the Department of Labor, as appropriate, and with activities carried out under the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require services duplicative of those referred to in the preceding sentence.

(3)

Applicable program

In this subsection, the term applicable program has the meaning given the term in section 439(b) of the General Education Provisions Act (relating to labor standards).

(b)

State plan

Section 112(b)(17)(A) of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2822(b)(17)(A)) is amended—

(1)

in clause (iii), by striking and at the end;

(2)

by redesignating clause (iv) as clause (v); and

(3)

by inserting after clause (iii) the following new clause:

(iv)

how the State will establish and carry out a specialized program of training under section 134(f); and