Higher Ed Utah

President Obama’s first State of the Union speech focused on increasing jobs, helping the middle class and small businesses and decreasing the federal deficit. While education was not a major part of the speech, the president did include a promise to increase the education budget despite his plan to freeze domestic spending.

Specifics included mention of a national competition to improve schools, undoubtedly a nod to the Race to the Top fund that focuses on improving education through innovation. The president vowed last week to increase the program by $1.35 billion (see story below for more details). The speech also included a request that the Senate follow the House’s lead in passing a bill to revitalize community colleges through the American Graduation Initiative, which was part of the House-passed Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA). ACTE strongly supported the House-passed SAFRA bill and is eager to see the Senate adopt similar legislation.

Although there was a mention of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorization in the context of school reform, few details were proposed in the speech. Rumors are that more details on the president’s goals for ESEA reauthorization may be included in his budget request on February 1.

The president noted that the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act stimulus funds saved the jobs of over 300,000 teachers and other education workers. He also said that more work needs to be done to save additional jobs and encouraged the Senate to pass a jobs bill, similar to the legislation the House passed in December. In the context of job creation, the president also made reference to the importance of emerging industries like sustainable energy.

Overall, the speech included few specifics that were not already known. ACTE is closely monitoring details of the president’s plans and will share more information as it becomes available.