FCCLA Executive Office Legislative Update (February 25, 2009)

Over the past week I have received numerous questions from advisers regarding the economic stimulus package or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) which is now law.  Here's the latest information on the ARRA: The U.S. Department of Education has created a specific ARRA webpage, http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/, where additional information on the act will be posted as it becomes available.  Currently, it offers the press release, a more detailed fact sheet, and links to budget information, including state-by-state allocations for formula-based programs, as well as a brief "video statement" by Secretary Arne Duncan. 

In addition, the Recovery.gov website, http://www.recovery.gov/, is now live.  The mission of this site is three-fold: education (explain the ARRA), transparency (show how, when, and where ARRA money is spent), and accountability (furnish data that will allow citizens to evaluate the act's progress and provide feedback).  There are already projections -- based on ARRA language -- of the effect on jobs state-by-state.   

I have asked the Department and other public policy experts the specific question regarding the use of ARRA funding by career and technical education funded projects that currently use Carl Perkins funding.  The response to my question: Yes, career and technical education is stated as an allowable "local use of stimulus funds" under ARRA Title XIV -- State Fiscal Stabilization Funds.  See the section below:

SEC. 14003. USES OF FUNDS BY LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCIES(a) IN GENERAL — A local educational agency that receives funds under this title may use the funds for any activity authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) (‘‘ESEA’’), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.) (‘‘IDEA’’), the Adult and Family Literacy Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.), or the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.) (‘‘the Perkins Act’’) or for modernization, renovation, or repair of public school facilities, including modernization, renovation, and repairs that are consistent with a recognized green building rating system.