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Education at Heart of Obama Stimulus Plan

$140B in 2-year plan would take other pressures off states

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 13, 2009 3:43 PM CST

(Newser) – In its current form, Barack Obama’s 2-year economic stimulus plan—currently pegged at $775 billion—will channel some $140 billion to education, Politico reports. As Congress hammers out its plan, changes are likely, but education and Medicaid look set to be major beneficiaries. States will see major block grants, enabling them to focus on filling other budgetary holes exacerbated by the recession.

“When the recession ends, you are still going to need teachers, firemen, policemen, and the question is do we step in now or pay more to rebuild later,” said a House Democrat. About $80 billion could go to new funding, with an additional $20 billion to school construction—meaning the plan’s overall tab looks likely to run up to $850 billion.

Members of Congress are currently laying out the particulars in an Obama administration stimulus plan. (Shutterstock)

President-elect Barack Obama speaks to reporters yesterday. (AP Photo)

Education looks set to get a big boost from the current incarnation of the stimulus plan. (Shutterstock)

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Education at Heart of Obama Stimulus Plan

$140B in 2-year plan would take other pressures off states

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No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

Obama to Colleges: No More Jacking Up Tuition

Introduces plan to control tuition costs

House Expects to Clear Payroll Tax Cut Today

Though it's possible dissenting members could delay things

School Takes Roll With Fingerprint Scans

Scanners to be installed on buses, too

Obama Plan Preview: $3T Savings, $1.5T Tax Boost

'Washington Post' bares early details of president's plan

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Education at Heart of Obama Stimulus Plan

$140B in 2-year plan would take other pressures off states

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

education • Barack Obama • Congress • school • Medicaid • Pell grants • economic stimulus package

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

No Child Left Behind Waiver Granted to 10 States

At least 28 more plan to seek one

Obama to Colleges: No More Jacking Up Tuition

Introduces plan to control tuition costs

House Expects to Clear Payroll Tax Cut Today

Though it's possible dissenting members could delay things

School Takes Roll With Fingerprint Scans

Scanners to be installed on buses, too

Obama Plan Preview: $3T Savings, $1.5T Tax Boost

'Washington Post' bares early details of president's plan

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?