Obama defends education spending hikes [View All]

[SpartanDem]

Source: CNN

(CNN) -- President Barack Obama defended his proposed education spending increases Friday, telling an audience of students and teachers in Florida that such investments are necessary to spur future economic growth.

"If we want more good news on the jobs front, then we need to make more investments in education," Obama said. "I am not willing to give up on any child in America. ... I do not accept failure."

Obama's proposed budget for fiscal year 2012 includes an 11% hike in federal education spending, to more than $77 billion. Republican congressional leaders are seeking to reduce federal spending on education, with many arguing it should be primarily a state and local concern.

Among other things, the administration has made a pledge to prepare an additional 100,000 science, technology, math and engineering teachers by the end of the decade. The White House also is pushing to make permanent the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which is worth up to $10,000 for four years of college.



Read more: http://www.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS/03/04/obama.education/