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Economic Stimulus Package Passes House--Includes Over $141 Billion for Education

January 29, 2009—The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was passed in the House on January 28, includes education provisions totaling over $141 billion. However, despite President Obama's pursuit of bipartisanship and his personal advocacy on behalf of the stimulus package with both Democrats and Republicans, all Republican Representatives voted against HR 1. All 244 "Yes" votes were cast by Democratic Representatives. Of the 188 "No" votes, 177 came from House Republicans and 11 from House Democrats. One Representative, Ginny Brown-Waite (R-FL), did not vote.

Included in the education provisions are many funds that could be used to purchase instructional materials.

• $13 billion for ESEA Title I in total of which $11 billion will go to eligible local school districts through the Title I Targeted Grants formula and the Title I Education Finance Incentive Grants formula. A total of $2 billion of the $13 billion in Title I funds will go to School Improvement Grants. One-half of the Title I funds are intended for use in School Year 2009-10 and one-half in School Year 2010-11.
   
• $13 billion for IDEA Special Education Section 611, Part B shall be divided with $6 billion available to local school districts for School Year 2009-10 and $7 billion for School Year 2010-11.
   
• An additional $600 million is provided for IDEA Part C (Infants/Families) funding with $300,000 to be allocated in each of School Years 2009-10 and 2010-11.
   
• $66 million for McKinney-Vento Homeless Education, $200 million for the Teacher Incentive Fund, $250 million for State Data Systems, $100 million in competitive grants to States to address teacher shortages and modernize the teaching force.
   
• $1 billion for education technology for classrooms, computer and science labs, and teacher technology training.
   
• $14 billion for K-12 school renovation, repair and facilities modernization, including technology upgrades, and energy efficiency improvement.
   
• $2 billion for childcare services for 300,000 more low-income children; $2.1 billion for Head Start services to 110,000 more children.
   
• $39 billion for a State Fiscal Stabilization Fund to restore support for elementary, secondary, and postsecondary education; $25 billion for public safety, other government services, which may include funds for elementary, secondary and higher education; $15 billion for State Incentive Grants to Governors.

The Senate has written it's own bill, which does not appear to have any significant changes regarding education funding. Currently, the Senate is expected to vote on the bill next week.

More information

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

"Stimulus Plan Would Provide Flood of Aid to Education"
The New York Times

"Duncan: Stimulus aid could give schools help"
USA TODAY

"House Passes Obama Stimulus Package"
The Washington Post

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