Education Jobs Stimulus (January 2010)
A Current EdLog™ News Feature

A $23 Billion Education Jobs Boost?

By Holly Sheffield
Staff Writer and EdLog Coordinator
Designed Instruction, LLC

January 4, 2010

In an attempt to provide relief in the midst of the recession, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on December 16 that will send $23 billion to cash-depleted districts across the nation. The funds are part of a larger amount ($154 billion) that is being redirected from TARP, the Troubled Asset Relief Program, and are generally intended to stimulate the economy and provide jobs. The funds are also in addition to the approximately $100 billion infusion in education courtesy of ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) earlier in the year.

As opposed to some of the previous economic stimulus provisions, states may not divert any of the $23 billion, dubbed the "education jobs fund," to reserve or "rainy day" funds, and they may not be tapped by governors to pay for public safety and other government services. And though portions of the money may be used to fund school modernization efforts and associated renovations to existing facilities (including an additional $4.1 billion in school construction bonds), its main intent, underscored during floor debate by Speaker of the House Pelosi, D-California, is to avert further teacher and administrator layoffs by restoring cuts as well as cover the cost of compensation and benefits for teachers and other employees. The Speaker was not alone in her sentiments. Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee George Miller, also D-California, also strongly urged the bill's passage in order to slow the current increase in layoffs. After its passage by a vote of 217-212, the National Education Association (NEA), the 3.2 million-member teacher's union, called for quick action on the part of the U.S. Senate, their current president Dennis Van Roekel citing the need to "keep schools open and running by education support professionals, teachers teaching and students learning at a time when many students are experiencing tremendous stress due to the economy."

The bill, however, was not without opposition. Though it passed by a vote of 217-212, it did so with no affirmative Republican vote. As well, 38 Democrats opposed passage. Ryan Murphy, spokesman for John Kline, R-Minnesota, top Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee, claimed the bill would let states off the hook by "doling out money and asking nothing in return ... when the first trillion-dollar go-around at this type of so-called 'stimulus' has proven to be a phenomenal failure replete with lackluster job creation."

Republicans opponents point to the language of the bill. Although states that wish to receive fiscal stabilization funds under ARRA have to agree to make progress on four education redesign assurances (improving teacher quality and distribution, strengthening standards and assessments, bolstering state data systems, and stepping up efforts to turn around low-performing schools), the education jobs fund does not include the same stimulus legislation mandates. An unnamed congressional aide has claimed, however, that the lack of specific prohibitions in writing is simply to speed the process and not cause additional job losses in the meantime, and that this does not signal a loosening in the conditions for use of the money. Comments from U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan substantiate the statement.

"The additional $23 billion in this bill will provide states with critical funding to keep teachers teaching and students learning," said Secretary Duncan. "The Department of Education will continue to require states to fulfill their commitments."

The Senate's version is expected to be released next month, according to a spokeswoman for Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee for education spending, and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

Designed Instruction's EdLog will continue to track progress of the Obama administration throughout the calendar year 2010. As with other EdLog feature strands, brief descriptions and links to news articles online will be provided as events unfold. To access links pertaining to the Obama administration's education efforts, go to Obama-Biden Education Change: A Current News Feature.

Comments or questions? E-mail Holly Sheffield at hsheffield@designedinstruction.com

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