The Stimulus Plan: In the Eyes of a College Student

The biggest economic recovery package in decades was recently passed by Congress under the Obama administration. This legislation is formally known as the "Economic Stimulus Package of 2009." Many Democrats truly believe that this will help bring forth solutions to the economic crisis that the national recession has caused in many areas of the American lifestyle, such as education. Many educators have praised the stimulus legislation in light of its emphasis on improving American early childhood and secondary education fields. However, many educators have overlooked that the bill will also help the field of higher education in a way that more students will be able to tackle the financial challenges of completing college.

Under Obama's stimulus package, $17 billion will be spent towards increasing the Pell grant by $500. This increase will allow students to receive a Pell Grant in the amount of $5,350 in 2009 and $5,550 by 2010. For many college students receiving financial aid in the form of this Pell Grant, including some who attend William Paterson University, such an increase will relieve approximately half of the burden that students carry at many public universities or colleges in New Jersey. This increase is not only the largest increase in the Pell Grant program in years but also comes in addition to the $200 million increase in the Federal Work Study program.

In the field of higher education, the Stimulus Package also includes money given to exceptional students that demonstrate community service. This money will come in the form of a universal and refundable tax credit which will ensure most students can attend community college education without ever paying tuition and fees. Also, the American Opportunity Tax Credit will help ensure that two-thirds of tuition is covered at public universities or colleges, like WPU. In fact, such a credit will even be accessible for those students from higher-income families (starting from $80,000 to possibly $160,000). Primarily, educators are in favor of this credit because it will help get more students engaged in community service, as 100 hours of every recipient's time is required to continue receiving the credit.

As many public state universities or colleges (both two-year and four-year) have been suffering frombudget cuts, the Stimulus Package has extended $54 billion to the State Stabilization Fund. This will require state governments to refrain from instituting budget cuts to higher education during the fiscal years of 2009-2011. Also, the economic boost to the State Stabilization Fund will help to aid infrastructure projects at state institutions.

There is no question that President Obama wants to ensure that education remains a priority of every American. As a full time undergraduate and a prospective educator, I must commend President Obama for the progress that he has made with improving the plight of students at all levels of schooling. Most importantly, I know there is much more progress to be made in the Obama administration in the field of education.