Exclusive: A Tale of Two Bills

Two recent proposals from Congress authorizing billions of dollars in school renovation offer a “sneak preview” into the school funding package that President-elect Barack Obama is expected to implement when he takes office in January.

The House proposal, H.R. 7110, emphasizes the need to get money into the hands of local educational agencies (LEAs) as quickly as possible, with state education agencies (SEAs) acting mainly as conduits for the funding. By contrast, the Senate version, S. 3689, would have states establish a much more complicated — and more time-consuming — process for awarding funds to LEAs based on their individual infrastructure needs. Experts say both approaches contain potential hazards.

The House and Senate bills also differ widely in the eligible uses of their proposed funds. The Senate version calls for spending on a relatively narrow range of conventional school infrastructure projects, such as asbestos removal and eliminating access barriers for persons with disabilities. The House bill would authorize a much wider range of spending, with particular emphasis on “green” projects to make schools more environmentally friendly.