Biden -- $3 billion to boost teachers pay & increase pell grants

[1corona4u]

Biden spoke to a crowd of about 50 people on the UNI campus for roughly 10 minutes before a panel and audience members asked the senator how he planned to revamp the U.S. education system. He said his proposals would cost $30 billion annually but would be minor in the context of a $3 trillion budget.

Biden said he would increase federal Pell grants from $4,300 to $6,300, spend $3 billion to boost teacher pay, forgive loans for aspiring teachers who promise to stay in the profession for a certain number of years, and set aside $4.5 billion for public early-childhood education programs, among other initiatives.

Chris Anderson, a math-education major, told Biden that as a future teacher, he agreed with all of his proposals. But he asked the senator how he planned to pay for them.

"Number one, I'd let the vast majority of unnecessary tax cuts expire in 2009," Biden said. "I'm not making a populist argument here, but we have to look at what's in the national interest more - giving the richest people an $85 billion tax cut, or spending $30 million to revolutionize the U.S. education system."

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007711280372

[1corona4u]

1. I especially like the part...

about letting the tax cuts, for the wealthy, expire...hahaha...

[Benhurst]

2. Joe must be stark, raving mad.

Doesn't he realize how many bombs that could buy?

BushAmerica
:patriot:
Bombs Away!

[LynneSin]

3. I think every democrat should pledge to make this a part of their plan

And Joe, take it one step further - get rid of the "Leave no Rich White Child Behind" program and revise the "Abstinence Only" program to where Abstinence is taught first but birth control is a part of that plan.

And finally, get rid of these predatory military recruiters in school. School kids should 'opt-in' if they want recruiters to contact them - not 'opt-out'. And military recruiters should not have total access to the school. I know that our school would have college day - which is an appropriate time for recruiters, but some of the local colleges would step-up stands in our lobby like once a month - the military could be allowed something like that.

[1corona4u]

5. I totally agree with the military comments..

predatory is right. If I was a parent, I would be outraged if they did that at my kids school.

[PatSeg]

9. If Bush had his way

Blackwater would be recruiting in schools.

[Debi]

4. There were more like 200 people at the forum n/t

[1corona4u]

6. Yeah, I thought 50 sounded a bit low...

the media...sigh...

[LiberalFighter]

7. I agree that some teachers should have pay boosts but...

paid by the federal govt?

How early for childhood education programs? Personally, I think kindergarten is early enough. Anything earlier I believe is just a scam by those providing those services. Not necessarily that they are conducting a scam but just that they don't have the tools and time. Any so called early-childhood education program before kindergarten are nothing more than child care.

Pell grants-- yes
Loan forgiveness-- within reason - maybe after maybe 5 years they receive 20% forgiveness of remaining provided they are up to date on payments. Payments already made would not be returned. After each additional 2 years 5% forgiven. Depending on where they decide to teach the structure might be set up differently. If they teach in a private or charter school nothing. If they teach in a public school they would qualify.

[1corona4u]

8. Possibly...

but people like my best friend, who were raising 2 small children, while trying to work, while the shitsack X stiffed her for child support, would probably disagree with you. I know for a fact she would have put her then 4 & 5 yr. old's into an early kindergarten class if it would have been an option. Be that as it may, children are like sponges. Any interaction, or outside socializing, regardless of age, is a learning experience.

I have no problem with the govt. paying for teacher raises, as long as they deserve it, and especially when it comes from expiring tax cuts from the rich, who by the way, have always had the upper hand.

[LiberalFighter]

10. I don't have a problem with govt paying but believe it should be more local instead of fed.