Stimulus Bill: Stimulating Education

        
        In these tough economic times it can be difficult to find clarity in the midst of a fog. The future may seem more like a distant dream out of our grasp but we should not be discouraged! Our key to a better future and a better economy is in our education. Rising tuition costs, growing class sizes and faculty cuts can serve as an obstacle but we will not turn a blind eye to the education system. What would be of our future scholars and economists if we give up on them now? The state of our economy is plainly evident but we should not allow it to put a damper on our hopes and dreams. With the passing of the newly signed stimulus bill education will receive unprecedented funding.

According to the article "The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: Making College More Affordable" by Kittredge and Besty Miller, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 signed in February of 2009 aims to stimulate "sectors in the economy vital to economic growth", education was among the sectors named. This billion dollar investment will aid millions pursuing higher education as well as stimulate the creation of jobs. A total of $17.1 billion will go to increasing maximum Pell Grants from $500 to $5,350 for the current year which will assist low to moderate income students and their families. The amount is expected to increase even more for 2010. The bill will temporarily replace the Hope tuition tax credit for two years increasing credits from $1,800 to $2,500. Some of the funding will allocated to students attending career colleges that serve to train workers for jobs of the 21st century. Among the industries named were service, health and many other emerging green professions.