Do the folks in Washington ever connect the dots between funding and education?

Times columnist Paul Krugman today says, "Until now, the results of educational neglect have been gradual — a slow-motion erosion of America’s relative position. But things are about to get much worse, as the economic crisis — its effects exacerbated by the penny-wise, pound-foolish behavior that passes for “fiscal responsibility” in Washington — deals a severe blow to education across the board."

He goes on..."There’s no mystery about what’s going on: education is mainly the responsibility of state and local governments, which are in dire fiscal straits. Adequate federal aid could have made a big difference. But while some aid has been provided, it has made up only a fraction of the shortfall. In part, that’s because back in February centrist senators insisted on stripping much of that aid from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a k a the stimulus bill."

He goes on to suggest that the Federal government should approve another big round of aid to state governments, as a solution. Can't they skip Trenton and just send the funds to the districts? The state of NJ has a poor track record for passing along funds to Ridgewood.

Click here to read the full column.

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