February 26, 2008

Education Secretary Faces Fire on the Hill Over Budget Recommendations

Washington — Education Secretary Margaret Spellings appeared before the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee today to deliver budget testimony, the last time she will do so in defense of a budget by President Bush. Both sides appeared to be glad it was over.

Ms. Spellings endured a full two hours of criticism from both Democrats and Republicans on the panel’s education subcommittee, facing complaints of insufficient funds for dozens of education programs in Mr. Bush’s budget for the 2009 fiscal year, which begins October 1.

In addition to complaining that grade-school programs such as those mandated under the No Child Left Behind law were being shortchanged, subcommittee members vented frustration over recommended cuts or minimal increases in such areas as the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education program, support for historically black colleges, and programs that help college-bound high-school students.

Democrats were harsh, with Rep. Jesse L. Jackson Jr. of Illinois calling the administration’s budget priorities “a bunch of garbage,” and Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro of Connecticut saying she was glad today was the last time she had to hear Ms. Spellings defend the president’s priorities. But Republicans were barely kinder, with Rep. John E. Peterson of Pennsylvania saying the administration’s budget “puts a zero priority on technical education,” and Rep. Dennis R. Rehberg of Montana accusing Ms. Spellings of neglecting American Indians. “I don’t know what you guys are smoking over there,” Mr. Rehberg told Ms. Spellings, “but it just ain’t working.”

Ms. Spellings fought back by telling lawmakers that the administration, at a time of fiscal constraint, has been emphasizing larger-scale programs with a proven ability to work, such as Pell Grants, while cutting back on programs that federal analysts have found to be ineffective or too small to produce significant results.

“There is a preference toward statewide activities at the department, as we saw in the aftermath of Virginia Tech, that can be more strategic, more effective,” Ms. Spellings said, “because they are looked at in the context of state laws.” —Paul Basken

Comments

1. When I hear that grandstanding Representatives from both parties are criticizing a proposal, I am inclined to believe that it probably strikes a decent balance. This blog item makes it sound like Democrats are being knee-jerk naysayers just because it comes from the Bush Administration (no specific criticisms are mentioned), and Republicans are whining that their pet projects are going unfunded.

   — J. Ward    Feb 26, 09:38 PM    #

2. Or maybe both sides are criticizing it because it’s no good. True, in an election year, same-party members of Congress are more likely to distance themselves from an unpopular lame duck president, but the Bush Administration is puffing its chest out over nothing but failures. The increased Pell spending didn’t come until the 11th hour after 6 consecutive years of stagnation.

   — DS    Feb 27, 07:22 AM    #

3. There can be no doubt that Bush policies and administration have no earthly idea as to what our country and its people need to thrive in a world culture. Thank God we will be rid of this idiot and his court of jesters – none too soon!

   — David    Feb 27, 09:33 AM    #

4. Many people seem to be pointing their fingers at specific programs such as no child left behind, and the failure to produce any true results. I wonder when we will begin to hold institutions more responsible and accountable for the educators they are producing? I think a re-examination of our higher educational institutions is in order. I also agree with Mr. Peterson from Pennsylvania, that there needs to be more funding awarded to our technical schools. Technical schools, along with many of our Community Colleges, are some of the most inclusive and productive environments for student development, yet, they are the least funded.

   — Seckman    Feb 27, 10:02 AM    #

5. What the heck does Virginia Tech have to do with anything?

   “There is a preference toward statewide activities at the department, as we saw in the aftermath of Virginia Tech, that can be more strategic, more effective,” Ms. Spellings said, “because they are looked at in the context of state laws.”

   I find it really offensive that a tragedy like that can be used to justify any federal budget items in education.

   — Peg Wherry    Feb 27, 01:39 PM    #

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