Special Features and Updates
Congress Amends Stimulus Law, Clarifies Private School Tuition for Special Ed
Washington, March 25 — In a little-noticed action, Congress amended the stimulus law as part of the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act passed March 11. All the amendments relate to Title XIV of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, which authorizes the $48.3 billion “stabilization” fund aimed at offsetting state cuts to education and other public services.
Stabilization Funds Cannot Be Used To Pay Off State Debts, OMB Says
Washington, March 23 — Governors cannot use stimulus funds to pay off debts, according to a recent letter from the White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Stabilization Fund State Application Resolves Many Questions About Local Allocations
Washington, March 19 —The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has posted draft state application materials for the state budget stabilization funds contained in the new stimulus package.
"Loophole" Allows for Sweeping Flexibility in Stimulus Funds, ED Confirms
Washington, March 16 — The U.S. Department of Education is prepared to accept an ambitious interpretation of the economic stimulus law that would allow up to $48.6 billion to be spent with maximum flexibility, in some cases on activities that were previously thought to be forbidden, such as school construction.
UPDATED ANALYSIS: ED Offers New Guidance on Stimulus Timetables, Waivers
Washington, March 10 — With $44 billion in new education funding expected to go out this month, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan laid out new guidance that, he said, “balances the need for speed and economic stimulus with the need for aggressive and effective education improvement.”
