The House today passed the education jobs bill. This means that our state will receive approximately $200 million dollars to save education jobs and an additional amount that will negate the need for the governor to call a special session of the legislature to balance the budget.
From this Seattle Times article it is evident that not all representatives were supportive of being called back to a one day session for a vote on this bill and the partisan divide that it has reinforced.
"Teachers, nurses and cops should not be used as pawns in a cynical political game" resulting from "the Democratic majority's failure to govern responsibly," said Rep. David Dreier, R-Calif.
"Where do the bailouts end?" asked Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio. "Are we going to bail out states next year and the year after that, too? At some point we've got to say, 'Enough is enough."
But Democratic Rep. Jay Inslee said his state of Washington would get funds to keep 3,000 teachers. Republicans, he said, "think those billions of dollars for those corporate loopholes is simply more important than almost 3,000 teachers and classrooms in the state of Washington."
Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., said Republicans ignore the fact that the law would not add to the federal deficit. "They want to do everything in their power to make certain that President Obama can't get this country going again. I think in November they are going to find it was a dumb policy."
We will need to wait and see how the money will be distributed at the federal level. There are multiple ways that have been used to make these decisions in the past. Secretary Duncan has committed to streamlining the application process to get money to local districts as soon as possible.
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I think we all leave with some dissonance. I personally would like to thank you for the opportunity to be part of this process. Although you mentioned feelings of inadequacy in some areas regarding your leadership, I however, was thinking how happy I was that you have chosen not to take the easy way out and "sit back" until retirement. I have been reading about the brain and I am convinced you will never have alzheimer's because of your ability to constantly learn and place yourself in challenging situations that require thoughtful processes and cognitive thinking. How wonderful it was that you invited teachers so our voices are heard. We are also in a position now to affect change to a greater capacity. I know I left with clearer understanding and a desire to assist my principal and teachers in my building. Plus I have a renewed admiration for district office personel and administrators. Thanks for an enjoyable experience.
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