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Budget Appropriations Numbers Look Good But Unlikely to PassJuly 17, 2008—The next round in the budget dance has begun. Both the House and Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Committees have issued their numbers, and they are requesting dollar amounts that exceed the President's requests for FY 2009. Overall, the President requested $59.2 billion for the Department of Education, which is the same as FY 2008. In contrast, the House is asking for $63.6 billion and the Senate $61.8 billion. Likewise, for Title I, President Bush asked for $14.3 billion (an increase over $13.9 in 2008), but the House is suggesting $15.1 billion, while the Senate comes in at $14.5 billion. "The bill invests $15.1 billion for Title I grants for low-income children, an additional $665 million over last year ($259 million over the request)," said Dave Obey (D-WI), Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. "These funds will provide targeted support to more than 11,000 schools that have not met No Child Left Behind academic standards." Regarding the Senate committee's increase over the President’s request, Senate Appropriations Chairman Robert C. Byrd (D-W.Va.) stated, "This legislation is an aggressive effort to place real dollars in programs that are vital to strengthening the foundation of this country. When it comes to investing in America, the President's Budget is anemic." In addition to criticizing the President's spending priorities, the House and Senate committees are also using the appropriations to tackle issues with No Child Left Behind. Due to controversy over the effectiveness of the Reading First program, both of their appropriations recommendations eliminate funding for that effort. As in previous years, if the measures don’t pass with enough votes to override a veto, Congress may need to pass an omnibus bill in November. For more information House Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Senate Committee on Appropriations | ||||
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