Kelly Backs Resolution Recognizing Importance of Impact Aid Program, Celebrating Program’s 75th Anniversary

In 2025, the Impact Aid Program provided more than $200 million to support school districts on military bases and tribal lands across Arizona

Today, ahead of the 75^th anniversary of the Impact Aid Program, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) joined Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) in introducing a resolution recognizing the importance of the program and designating September 30, 2025, as "Impact Aid Recognition Day." In Arizona, 61 districts and schools across 13 counties received Impact Aid funding in FY25. Arizona receives more than $200 million in funding each year, among the highest of any state, reflecting the large number of military bases and tribal lands.

Established in 1950 by President Harry Truman, the Impact Aid Program is the oldest K-12 Federal education program in the U.S. The program reimburses school districts across the country that lose local tax revenue due to the tax-exempt status of federal lands, including military installations; Indian Trust, Treaty and Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Lands; and other Federal properties and facilities.

In addition to Kelly, Hirono, and Crapo, this resolution is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Tina Smith (D-MN).

"The Impact Aid Program has been a lifeline for Arizona schools on military bases, tribal lands, and other areas that lose out on local tax revenue," said Senator Kelly. "This program helps make sure those schools have the resources to hire teachers, keep class sizes down, and give every student a shot at success. As we mark its 75th anniversary, I'm proud to join my colleagues in recognizing Impact Aid's role in supporting kids, families, and communities across our state and our country."

"For the past 75 years, the Impact Aid Program has helped millions of students across our nation access quality public education, regardless of where they reside," said Senator Hirono. "This program serves a crucial role in providing all children, particularly those from underserved backgrounds, with the opportunity to receive the high-quality education they need and deserve. I'm glad to join my colleagues in recognizing the valuable contributions of the Impact Aid Program, and I'll continue working to help ensure that students across the country have the support they need to learn and grow in our schools."

"Seventy-five years since its inception, Impact Aid continues to provide critical support for Idaho's school districts. Across the nation, Impact Aid helps federally impacted school districts provide access to high-quality education and opportunities children need to unlock their full potential," said Senator Crapo.

"Arizona is one of the nation's largest beneficiaries of the Impact Aid Program, due to the many military bases and tribal communities across our state. For decades, this program has been a lifeline for schools serving military families and tribal communities, helping to level the playing field for students whose schools lack the same tax base as others. That's why I'm proud to cosponsor this resolution," said Senator Gallego. "For me, this isn't just about education funding, it's about investing in Arizona's future and making sure every child, no matter where they live, has the opportunity to succeed."

"Impact aid has supported communities in welcoming military families and ensuring that the schools surrounding our military bases and our federal lands have the resources they need to provide the best education possible for their students," said Senator Durbin. "This year, we celebrate the success of impact aid over the last 75 years, and I remain committed to securing appropriate aid for the school districts in Illinois that proudly educate the next generation."

"Every kid deserves the opportunity to have a great education - it's one of the most important investments we can make," said Senator Smith. "Impact Aid plays a key part in ensuring that schools all across Minnesota are equipped with needed funding to educate our kids, and I am proud to celebrate all the good work it's done over the last 75 years."

"The Impact Aid program has played a crucial role in supporting children's education in Connecticut and across the United States. By bolstering schools near military communities and federal lands and ensuring they have the necessary resources to provide quality, comprehensive education, the Impact Aid program serves children with the tools they need to succeed. I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing the Impact Aid program for its invaluable contributions to students, and I look forward to continuing to work to provide students with the top-tier education they deserve," said Senator Blumenthal.

"The Impact Aid Program has played a vital role in ensuring that countless students have access to critical educational resources. For 75 years, it has helped close school funding gaps in federally impacted communities, including many across New Jersey," said Senator Booker. "As I join my colleagues in celebrating this milestone, I remain committed to ensuring this program continues to have the resources necessary to continue advancing educational opportunity in my state and across the nation."

"The Impact Aid program has changed the lives of countless children both in Montana and across the nation since its creation over seven decades ago. Every child deserves access to quality education and tools for a successful future, so I'm proud to join my bipartisan colleagues on this resolution celebrating 75 years of the Impact Aid program," said Senator Daines.

"When we invest in our students, teachers and schools, we help set our children on a path to succeed both inside and outside the classroom-and that's exactly what the Impact Aid Program does," said Senator Duckworth. "For 75 years, this program has helped ensure schools have the resources they need so every child can reach their full potential, no matter their zip code. I'm proud to join Senators Hirono and Crapo and my colleagues in honoring its contributions and remain committed to building a future where every child has the opportunity to succeed."

"For 75 years, the Impact Aid Program has ensured our schools in Oklahoma have the resources they need to provide a quality education. From classrooms that serve military families to those on tribal lands, Impact Aid makes sure our students have the chance to succeed," said Senator Lankford.

"Education is a critical pillar for success," said Senator Lummis. "The Impact Aid program supports Wyoming's tribal and military communities by filling the funding gap due to loss of tax revenue from federal lands, ensuring students across the Cowboy State have access to a high-quality education no matter their zip code. I'm proud to work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to honor the impact this program has had on Wyoming's next generation."

"Every kid deserves the opportunity to have a great education - it's one of the most important investments we can make," said Senator Smith. "Impact Aid plays a key part in ensuring that schools all across Minnesota are equipped with needed funding to educate our kids, and I am proud to celebrate all the good work it's done over the last 75 years."

"For 75 years, Impact Aid has been essential, fulfilling the federal government's obligation to support the students and communities most affected by its presence," said NAFIS Executive Director Cherise Imai. "The program is critical to ensuring that students in military communities, on tribal lands, and in other federally impacted areas have the same opportunities as any child in America. We thank Congress for its continued support and for reaffirming with this resolution a bipartisan commitment to Impact Aid. As we celebrate this milestone, it is vital that we continue to protect and strengthen the program so future generations can benefit from its promise."

The full text of the resolution is availablehere.