A federal program that's a lifeline for rural communities in California is expected to stop sending payments next month. Carolyn Jones with our California newsroom partner CalMatters explains.

A federal program that's a lifeline for rural communities in California is expected to stop sending payments next month. Carolyn Jones with our California newsroom partner CalMatters explains.

For more than a century, Congress has given extra money to counties with large tracts of federal land. The idea is that since this land cannot be taxed, the money can help offset the loss of revenue.

For more than a century, Congress has given extra money to counties with large tracts of federal land. The idea is that since this land cannot be taxed, the money can help offset the loss of revenue.

The program known as the Secure Rural Schools Act would have brought in more than $30 million to California counties to help pay for schools, roads, and other critical services, but Congress did not include the program in the budget passed earlier this month, and it's unlikely it will be added now. One superintendent told me that the rural schools program is quote budget dust for Congress, but for a lot of California's rural communities, the money is a lifeline.

The program known as the Secure Rural Schools Act would have brought in more than $30 million to California counties to help pay for schools, roads, and other critical services, but Congress did not include the program in the budget passed earlier this month, and it's unlikely it will be added now. One superintendent told me that the rural schools program is quote budget dust for Congress, but for a lot of California's rural communities, the money is a lifeline.

For many rural school districts, the loss of funding will mean staff layoffs, cuts to after-school programs, and delayed building repairs. As of now, secure rural schools payments to counties are expected to end in April.

For many rural school districts, the loss of funding will mean staff layoffs, cuts to after-school programs, and delayed building repairs. As of now, secure rural schools payments to counties are expected to end in April.

Carolyn Jones covers education for our partner, CalMatters.

Carolyn Jones covers education for our partner, CalMatters.