Federal Education Funds Expected Just In Time

Texas schools better off waiting for federal aid - September 11, 2010

In an editorial in the Austin-American Statesman on September 11th, titled "Texas schools better off waiting for federal aid," the Editorial Board writes about the federal funds that Texas may or may not have coming to them in 2011 that are intended to keep public schools afloat. The federal government’s Education Jobs Fund (Ed Jobs) program approved by Congress allocated $10 billion in assistance to states based on their population in an effort to create or save education jobs for the 2010-2011 school year. Texas, due to its size, would receive $830 million for its schools. This includes early childhood, elementary, and secondary education. These funds come at a critical time during a recession that has led to increased debt and massive layoffs in a state that was already struggling to support its public schools. The author of this editorial observes that not only has the U.S. Department of Education decided to postpone Texas’ receiving of their share until 2011, but there is a chance that the postponement may turn into a cancellation.

The author of this editorial remarks that it is the governor of Texas’ job to make sure that the percentage of state education spending does not decrease in proportion to total percentage of state spending. Governor Rick Perry replied that he cannot uphold that responsibility because the governor’s office cannot earmark funding nor coerce future Legislature without violating the Texas Constitution (Editorial Board). An amendment in the Texas Constitution blocks Texas Legislature from using federal education dollars in place of state education dollars, which would be an attractive move for leaders looking to shrink the appearance of the state deficit.

The author fears that the Texas Legislature will use the allocated federal funding as state funding since they have a reputation of doing just that. Texas used $3.25 billion in federal stimulus dollars to replace state aid, which ultimately made their budget appear more balanced (Editorial Board). However, by swapping out the names on the gift card, the end recipients are no better off. In this case, public education jobs are no more secure than they would be without federal funding.

However, there may be a silver-lining to the postponement of the federal funds from the Ed Jobs program. This editorial explains that if the money is delayed until after the Legislature passes a budget by summer 2011, the federal dollars would not be swapped, but rather, paid in conjunction with, state aid to schools. The only risk, then, is that the U.S. Department of Education may rule Texas out of the 10 billion dollar equation altogether (Editorial Board).

The Austin American Statesman’s Editorial Board insinuates that the public should keep an eye on Texas Legislature’s moves to seemingly balance their budget by taking without giving. Rick Perry seems to be behaving well by citing the Texas Constitution, which, in this case, prohibits him from taking action. The amendment itself seems to be serving its purpose by protecting the people from the Texas Legislature.

By addressing this article to the local public and the parents of students of the Texas public school system, the Editorial Board works to enlighten them about the current education jobs crisis, and the pending layoffs facing schools in Texas. The Austin American Statesman, as a highly respectable, left-leaning newspaper, seemed to call out Gov. Rick Perry for not exercising rights that he, honestly, may not own, according to the Texas Constitution. I think the Editorial Board does a good job overall of bringing an important issue to light without seeming too partisan. However, the article may be written in a way that directs the reader’s opinions of the Texas Legislature and the Governor, both of whom are largely Republican.

Fort Hood Suspect Wants Hearing Closed to Public, Press

An article titled “Fort Hood Suspect Wants Hearing Closed to Public, Press” posted to KVUE.com provides answers to the aftermath of the Fort Hood massacre.
Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan, the 39 year old American-Palestinian and sole suspect in the November 5th 2009 Fort Hood Shootings, is requesting that his October 12th hearing be closed to the public and the media. The upcoming “Article 32 Hearing” is the military equivalent of a civilian Preliminary Hearing which would determine whether there is enough evidence to warrant a trial or general court martial.
According to an article by Jason Whitely of KVUE, Hasan’s lawyer, Col. John Galligan, believes that, after the hearings, the Army intends to court martial Hasan at Fort Hood, where the shootings took place; Galligan contends that screening the hearing from the public and press will help ensure that Hasan receives a fair trial at Fort Hood.
The KVUE article reports that Hasan has been charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted murder in the Fort Hood shooting. After the Investigating Officer (military judge) authorizes the conviction, the Fort Hood General will decide whether to proceed with the trial. If convicted, Hasan could be sentenced to death.
This article demonstrates how military courts handle serious convictions, as well providing follow-up to the devastating events of the Fort Hood Massacre.