How About Funding for Our Children?

There was something missing from the $700 billion taxpayer funded bailout that was recently signed into law. It seems impossible, I know. Congress spent several days making sure nothing was left out, including money for Puerto Rican rum makers, race track owners, wooden arrow manufacturers, and of course, the always under-funded wool researchers. All kidding aside, the real shocker here is that education was left out – again.

For years, federal education dollars for children have been in a constant state of decline – a trend that shows no signs of stopping. Over the past year, the federal government has paid out several trillion dollars through spending and entitlement programs. Most of these programs consume the largest portion of the federal budget, while spending on children’s education fails to keep pace with our nation’s educational needs.

The bailout amounts to more than $2,300 from the pockets of every New Jersey resident, and there are no guarantees that it will work. However, most would be more willing to part with this money if it was going to the education of our children - arguably money much better spent.

If our government can rescue banks and car manufacturers, surely the government can afford to do the same for our children.

Despite these challenging times, it remains our responsibility as Chief Educational Officers to continue to move education forward for the betterment of New Jersey’s children. That responsibility will be made a bit easier if the federal government would be as committed to our children, who really are our future, as it is to industry.