Bill would help cover inauguration costs

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- The District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia would receive $59 million to help with costs from the presidential inauguration under House legislation.

A spending bill to be considered in the House contains the funds, the Washington Post reported Tuesday.

The newspaper noted that the three jurisdictions reported that their costs related to President Barack Obama's inauguration was about $75 million. Last year, Congress gave the district $15 million to cover expenses for the inauguration and other events.

The bill calls for the District of Columbia to receive $39 million and the other $20 million would be available to Maryland and Virginia.

"I am proud of the role Maryland played in making this inauguration such an historic and joyful occasion for the nation," Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., said in a statement. "But just as in other parts of the country, the economic downturn means Maryland has fewer resources and greater needs."

The Post noted that the bill also would give the District of Columbia $109 million for school improvements, college tuition support and other educational expenses.