Stimulus Plan Would Provide Flood of Aid to Education

[mzteris]

ublished: January 27, 2009

WASHINGTON — The economic stimulus plan that Congress has scheduled for a vote on Wednesday would shower the nation’s school districts, child care centers and university campuses with $150 billion in new federal spending, a vast two-year investment that would more than double the Department of Education’s current budget.

The proposed emergency expenditures on nearly every realm of education, including school renovation, special education, Head Start and grants to needy college students, would amount to the largest increase in federal aid since Washington began to spend significantly on education after World War II.

Critics and supporters alike said that by its sheer scope, the measure could profoundly change the federal government’s role in education, which has traditionally been the responsibility of state and local government.

Responding in part to a plea from Democratic governors earlier this month, Congress allocated $79 billion to help states facing large fiscal shortfalls maintain government services, and especially to avoid cuts to education programs, from pre-kindergarten through higher education.

-more-

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/education/28educ.html?th&emc=th

[Reader Rabbit]

1. Our district is really counting on this to avoid a RIF

All the administrators know the exact it's going to be on Obama's desk to be signed. I hope they aren't waiting in vain!

[donco6]

4. We're watching it, too.

It could really save our bacon this year.

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. Does this mean my school will finally be air conditioned?

That would be fabulous.

[donco6]

3. Who knows?

There is capital construction money. Maybe you can lobby admin and say, "since school is starting so much earlier, we really need climate controlled buildings so kids can actually learn in the first month or two of school."

It might work. Maybe.