Education Report for June 19, 2009

1. Budget and Appropriations

Appropriators moved into high gear to get the ball rolling on the FY 2010 budget. This sparked much controversy from both sides.

-The Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill passed on a vote of 259-157 and is the first to be debated in the house. With a number of appropriations moved through the committee process, the House is on track to meet its August Recess deadline.

-At the senate meeting for the 302B Allocations the Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Subcommittee allocation was higher than its house counterpart with an allocation of $163.1 billion. The subcommittee now has the daunting task to write up a bill that will satisfy both Congress and the White House.

-House Education and Labor Committee worked hard at drafting reconciliation legislation that would revamp the federal student loan program. A mark-up is expected this week.

-Congressman John Kline (R-MN) was selected as the new Ranking Republican on the House Education and Labor Committee.

2. ED Hosts Stakeholder Meeting

Department of Education invited education stakeholders to a meeting at department headquarters this past week. They announced their plan to hold these meetings monthly in the future.

Summary of what was discussed:

-Distribution of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds
-ED's FY 2010 Budget
-State Fiscal Stabilization Funds

3. In Brief

-Duncan Announces Funds for States to develop assessments linked to standards and race to the top fund timeline. For more information visit: http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/06/06152009a.html [1]

-NAGB Releases Arts Assessment

-Education and Labor Committee holds Hearing on Technology in the Classroom

-Gates Enters the Post secondary Realm

-DLC Hosts Discussion on Education Reform

-AACTE Hosts Briefing ON Teacher Preparation Reform

Be sure to also scan sections #4 ("New Publications") and #5 ("In the News"), for articles of interest.