January 30, 2009

How Georgia Fares in the Proposed Stimulus Package

It has been an interesting and historic month. From the turmoil in the financial system to the inauguration of the first African-American President, January 2009 has been one for the ages.

On Capitol Hill, Congress seems bound and determined to push through a stimulus plan that most Americans hate for one reason or another. The Democrats want more money to be spent on public assistance programs while the Republicans want more tax cuts. Oh if only there could just be the bipartisan compromises that we all have said we want. In the end, whatever Congress sends to President Obama will be the package we have.

Here in Georgia, the Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) is reporting that Georgia could be the recipient of $2 billion in funds geared towards education:

Georgia stands to receive more than $2 billion for education and infrastructure, and more than $5.6 billion in all, through President Barack Obama’s federal economic stimulus plan, according to estimates of the bill now before the U.S. House.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill would provide more than $800 billion in federal spending and tax breaks if signed into law. Obama has made the stimulus package a key component of his early agenda and the Democratic-controlled Congress is expected to approve a plan by mid-February.

Under the draft proposal in the House, Georgia could qualify for more than $1.31 billion in transportation and infrastructure money and $1.17 billion in K-12 education money over two years, according to estimates produced by staff of the key committees.

Of the remaining money for the state, more than $2 billion would be part of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, a majority of which would be directed to support elementary, secondary and postsecondary education, according to an analysis by the National Conference of State Legislatures. The remaining stabilization fund money could be used for public safety and assistance to schools, colleges and universities.


Specifically in Gwinnett County, the county has been earmarked for the following:


Title 1 2009 Construction 09 IDEA 09 Total 2009
$8,876,600 $21,516,200 $12,668,900 $43,061,700

Title 1 2010 IDEA 2010 Total 2010 Total 2009-10
$8,876,600 $15,359,800 $24,236,400 $67,298,100

If a bill somewhat resembling this one passes Congress, Georgia public education looks like it could be a winner. No matter which way you slice it that is a positive for the students, educators, and state.

Source: The Atlanta Journal Constitution

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