An Increase for Education?
Despite this freeze, education is expected to receive overall increases of up to $4 billion, although it is unclear how IDEA and Javits will fare. This 6.2% increase, or just over $4 billion dollars will likely include $1.35 billion for an expansion of the Race to the Top Program, and $1 billion for the update of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Beyond that, details are unclear. According to a U.S. Department of Education spokesman, President Obama will specifically ask Congress “to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, continue the Race to the Top program, and pass the package for early learning and increased student aid for higher education” This package, known as the Student Aid Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA), which includes $8 billion over 10 years for Early Learning Challenge Grants.”
A New Race to the Top?
As for the new Race to the Top monies, the President is expected to ask Congress for an additional $1.35 billion to fund an expansion of the controversial program, and to allow local districts, instead of just states, to compete for these funds. CEC supports many of the Administration’s initiatives but joined several other education organizations in commenting on many provisions on the original Race to the Top program. Changes were made based on comments from CEC and other organizations, but concerns still remain. Read CEC’s comments.
Early Learning Challenge Grants
CEC is hopeful that, as the Department has stated, the President will renew his call for Congress to fund Early Learning Challenge Grants. The SAFRA legislation, which these are attached to, passed the House in September. The Senate has yet to release a companion bill, but in meetings with CEC last week, key Senate staff indicated these Grants remain unchanged in the companion legislation the Senate is currently drafting. CEC hopes the president will restate his support for this important legislation this evening.
CEC Advocacy
Following tonight’s important address, on February 1, President Obama will present his budget priorities in writing to Congress, signaling the formal beginning of the fiscal year 2011 budget process. While the President’s budget may start the formal budget process, CEC has been advocating directly to the Administration and Congress for increases for IDEA, and Javits for some time. (Read the letter CEC sent to the President outlining CEC’s budget priorities in November). Additionally, CEC worked with Senators Harkin and Roberts and Representatives Platts, Walz and Van Hollen on the introduction of the IDEA Full Funding legislation. CEC has also been meeting with several offices to seek additional funding for the gifted and talented students and the Javits program. Once the budget is officially released, CEC will continue its quest for full funding of IDEA and enhanced funding for Javits.
We need your help!
Congress has tough choices to make about what it should fund, and we want it to choose education. YOU can help right now! Encourage your senators and representatives to co-sponsor the IDEA full funding legislation (S. 1652 and H.R. 3578) and the Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act!
Watch U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan discuss the priorities for the coming year.
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