[AAACE-NLA]Follow the Money

[leslie89]

In a message on Saturday regarding passage of HR 1261, Tom Sticht wrote:
"I understand that many advocates have their particular concerns and wish to
advocate for them. As for me, I think the primary advocacy efforts should be
aimed at advancing the National Literacy Summit's goal of getting the Senate
to increase the appropriations for the state grants program for the Adult
Education and Literacy System of the United States."

While I agree it would be great to have the Education Committee in the
Senate raise the bar for adult ed funding, keep in mind that that's
political rhetoric. It is the Appropriations Committee that actually writes
the check -- and decides how big the check will be. Focus on the
appropriators, in both the House and Senate. They have the authority to
approve $1 billion now, under current law (WIA). However ... 

I've heard that the Appropriations subcommittee with jurisdiction over
Labor, HHS, and Education programs will be given a total pot of $2 billion
less than last year from which to dole out funding. Thus we will have
"squeak" loudly just to avoid being cut.   


leslie89

"... unless people are educated and enlightened
it is idle to expect the continuance of civil liberty
or the capacity for self-government."
Texas Declaration of Independence, March 2, 1836