CNN/AP: Democrats outline education agenda priorities

Democrats outline education agenda priorities
December 12, 2006



WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congressional Democrats say when they take the gavel from Republicans next month, they will put money in the pockets of college students and closely examine a law reforming elementary and secondary schools.

How they will pay for their plans isn't clear.

Democrats, who won the House and Senate in last month's elections, say they will quickly move to slash interest rates on need-based college loans in half -- from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent....

In addition, Pell grants -- which do not have to be paid back and go to only low-income students -- will likely get a boost. Party leaders say they want to raise the maximum Pell award from $4,050 to $5,100. But that would cost roughly $4 billion, prompting some to press for a go-slow approach....

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Money also is a sticking point in the debate over the No Child Left Behind law, passed in 2001 and now up for renewal. Democrats have promised hearings early in the new year....

(Senator Edward) Kennedy and (Rep. George) Miller joined President Bush to push for the law's passage, and they still support it. However, they say Republicans haven't spent the money needed. They say the administration has provided about $50 billion less than Congress called for. Republicans point out that it's common for legislation to be funded at less than the full level Congress authorizes....

http://www.cnn.com/2006/EDUCATION/12/12/democrats.education.ap/index.html

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