4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit: FEDERAL EDUCATION BUDGET CUTS IN THE 2011 CONTINUING RESOLUTION

4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit: FEDERAL EDUCATION BUDGET CUTS IN THE 2011 CONTINUING RESOLUTION

FEDERAL EDUCATION BUDGET CUTS IN THE 2011 CONTINUING RESOLUTION

BY JEFF SIMERING, DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATION, COUNCIL OF GREAT CITY SCHOOLS | FROM THE APRIL 2011 ISSUE OF URBAN EDUCATOR -HTTP://BIT.LY/GNCV2E

At literally the 11th hour before the midnight shutdown of the federal government, an agreement on funding levels for FY 2011 was completed. The FY11 Continuing Resolution cuts some $38 billion in federal spending and is the first battle in Congress’ war on the federal budget deficit. Subsequent battles will include the FY 2012 Congressional Budget Resolution setting spending ceilings for next fiscal year and the Federal Debt Ceiling bill allowing the federal government to borrow money to cover the $14 trillion federal debt.

So who won the first budget battle of 2011? President Obama and the House leadership claim to have accomplished their goals. Unfortunately, the President’s statement on March 14th at the Kenmore Middle School that “We cannot cut education” could not be sustained. In fact, over $2 billion in cuts to the Education Department’s FY2010 discretionary program levels were made. Providing nearly $700 million for Race-To-The-Top and $150 million for Investing in Innovation (I3) in new funding did little to counterbalance the other $2 billion in funding cuts. And, only minor consolation can be found in sparing Title I programs for disadvantaged students and IDEA programs for