A few weeks ago, I outed myself as being confused about the stimulus bill put forth by the Obama administration. As someone invested in educational equity, I was really excited about the prospect of doubling federal funding but it was hard to get a grip on some of the huge amounts being tossed around. One part of the stimulus that seemed absolutely reasonable, however, was the provisions for school construction. After all, building and/or improving schools is a direct investment in infrastructure, has an immediate impact on creating jobs and is a one time “stimulus” instead of an ongoing commitment.

So now I am really confused. I just don’t get is why the Senate version of the bill–which was compromise enough for only three Republicans!–hacked off $16 billion for school construction of all things.

Curious about the other educational expenditures that the Senate cut out of the stimulus bill? (hint: it’s not tax cuts)

From Ed Week:

Reductions in Education Spending from the House to the Senate

Education Technology
House: $1 billion
Senate: $1 billion

Title 1 Programs for Disadvantaged Students
House:$13 billion
Senate: $12.4 billion

Educational “Incentive Grants” to States (money for districts, colleges and nonprofits)
House: $15 billion + $25 billion in flexible aid to states that could be used for education
Senate: $7.5 billion (this figure also covers “flexible aid to states”)

Head Start (pre-school education)
House:$2.1 billion
Senate: $1.05 billion

Teacher-Quality State Grants
House: $100 million
Senate: $50 million

Teacher Incentive Fund
House:$200 million
Senate: 0

School Data Systems
House:$250 million
Senate: 0

Charter School Facilities
House:$25 million
Senate: 0

Do these cuts represent your priorities? What do you think of the “compromise?”
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Kidz Today is a column about youth and education by Joie Jager-Hyman.