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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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$150B Stimulus to Double Education Budget

$150B spending expected to permanently expand government's role in education

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(Newser) – The stimulus plan before Congress today more than doubles the Department of Education's budget, reports the New York Times. An unprecedented extra $150 billion in federal aid would provide funds for nearly every aspect of education, from school construction to college grants. Opponents and backers alike agree that the injection of cash could change the federal government's role in education forever.

Administration officials say the funding will provide sorely needed aid and prevent severe cutbacks. "This is going to avert literally hundreds of thousands of teacher layoffs," said Education Secretary Arne Duncan. Republicans call some of the proposals wasteful and argue against expanding the government's role in education. Some experts question whether the cash will actually boost academic achievement—and wonder what will happen when the windfall dries up in 2 years.

A new high school in Lewis Center, Ohio, is seen under construction Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008. The economic stimulus plan will provide federal funds for the building of new schools.
A new high school in Lewis Center, Ohio, is seen under construction Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008. The economic stimulus plan will provide federal funds for the building of new schools.   (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
Education Secretary Arne Duncan says the stimulus plan will prevent the layoffs of hundreds of thousands of teachers.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan says the stimulus plan will prevent the layoffs of hundreds of thousands of teachers.   (AP Photo)
Administration officials and representatives from schools say the stimulus plan will provide crucial aid for the nation's 15,000 school districts.
Administration officials and representatives from schools say the stimulus plan will provide crucial aid for the nation's 15,000 school districts.   (©Tomás Fano)
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We cannot let education collapse; we have to provide this level of support to schools. - Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), chairman of the House education committee

By putting the federal government in the business of building schools, Democrats may be irrevocably changing the federal government's role in education in this country. - Rep. Howard P. McKeon (R-Calif.)

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Doctor_Zaius
Jan 28, 09 6:22 AM CST
The GOP wanted a government so small they could drown it in a bathtub. They didn't count on the fact that Americans would have a problem with this when their services stopped working for them. Congratulations GOP. You have brought about that which you sought to curtail. Reply
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Mr.C
Jan 28, 09 5:06 PM CST
congratulations on inserting partisan politics where it is not called for
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riffran
Jan 29, 09 3:32 AM CST
Hey look....is that Ray Nagins katrina escape plan?...All those buses....lol Reply
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SPH
Jan 29, 09 12:12 PM CST
Money spent on education is a good investment.... Reply
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