A new bill passed by the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations would provide funding for major educational expansion in Amador County. The bill contains 250,000 dollars, requested by Senator Feinstein, for the College Preparation Initiative to provide educational programming for Amador County. The request was also strongly supported by Senator Barbara Boxer, who has previously assisted with efforts to enhance the community college presence in Amador County. The bill is awaiting final Senate action.

The County, Los Rios Community College District, Amador Unified School District and the Amador Community College Foundation have been working collaboratively with the County's congressional delegation office to encourage federal participation. According to Amador County Administrative Officer Terri Daly "This appropriation would provide a significant shot-in-the-arm to the ongoing and long term process of establishing a community college presence in Amador County." Daly has also been working closely with the Amador Community College Foundation on public outreach and encouraging local and regional support.

Foundation president and former Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Richard Vinson stated, "Senator Feinstein recognizes the importance of higher education opportunities for California's rural communities and has long been supportive of Amador County's educational initiative. We are grateful for the leadership and involvement of Senators Feinstein and Boxer and their professional staff on this issue of great importance to our region." The Amador Community College Foundation and Amador County are urging residents to enroll in the currently offered classes. According to Daly, establishing a community college presence offers the opportunity for higher education and training that will increase local labor force skills and attract diversified businesses to the county.