Bush League!

Presidents Cuts Ed Tech Funds — Again

On Feb 5, President Bush submitted his FY 2008 budget request to Congress, asking for $56 billion in discretionary appropriations for the Department of Education, a $1.6 billion increase over his original 2007 request. And once again, for the fourth time in as many years, the President has zeroed out funding for the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program.

The administration notes that, "Schools today offer a greater level of technology infrastructure than just a few years ago, and there is no longer a significant need for a State formula grant program targeted specifically on (and limited to) the effective integration of technology into schools and classrooms.

Districts seeking funds to integrate technology into teaching and learning can use other Federal program funds such as Improving Teacher Quality State Grants and Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies."

Technology advocates question how the administration can justify such cuts while supporting the goal of ensuring that students can compete globally and effectively in math and science.

Authorized as Title II-D of the No Child Left Behind Act, EETT received appropriations of approximately $700 million for Fiscal Years 2002–2004, but sustained major cuts in FY05 and 06. While the House of Representatives originally went along wit the program's elimination in the FY 07 budget, the Senate restored funding. In last week's budget agreement, Congress approved level funding ($272 million) for EETT for the remainder of this fiscal year.