For 2301, a good example of federalism, in this case the ongoing battle between the federal state and local governments over education. The 2012 budget presented yesterday contains language that would allow Texas school districts to bypass the states and apply directly to the federal government for funding. Expect pushback from the governor.
President Obama's budget includes a provision aimed at Texas Gov. Rick Perry and state Education Commissioner Robert Scott.
The budget would set aside $900 million to award school districts who win a new Race to the Top competition and expand it to include early childhood and higher education competitive grant programs. The Early Childhood Learning Program would be created using $350 million and $150 million for a post-secondary program.
Perry refused to apply in 2010 for Race to the Top funding, much to the chagrin of many school districts. Race to the Top aims to raise education standards and align them across states. However, Perry and Scott maintain that would be hazardous to the education system already in place in Texas and the initiatives currently under way. If Perry opts Texas out of competitive grants again, the state has few options for federal funding.
In related news, Governor Perry is asking House Republicans to roll back requirements that Texas comply with federal education standards.
