WASHINGTON — The war-funding bill the House approved late Thursday included a provision the Obama administration strenuously opposes: a proposed $500 million cut to the $4.35 billion Race to the Top educational reform contest.
Rep. David Obey, D-Wis., chairman of the Appropriations Committee, said the cut is necessary to free up money for a new $10 billion fund to help save more than 100,000 education jobs. The bill has gone to the Senate, where further negotiations are expected.
President Barack Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan have touted Race to the Top as a groundbreaking initiative to shake up low-performing schools.
Tennessee won $500 million and Delaware $100 million in March in the contest’s first round. More than 30 states, including Colorado, are vying for a share of $3.4 billion in reform aid.
The Washington Post
