FRONT STREET MEDIA

$2 billion might be available for education; funds also possible for transportation, infrastructure, Medicaid

By AARON GOULD SHEININ

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Friday, January 23, 2009

Georgia stands to receive more than $2 billion for education and infrastructure, and more than $5.6 billion in all, through President Barack Obama’s federal economic stimulus plan, according to estimates of the bill now before the U.S. House.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Bill would provide more than $800 billion in federal spending and tax breaks if signed into law. Obama has made the stimulus package a key component of his early agenda and the Democratic-controlled Congress is expected to approve a plan by mid-February.


Under the draft proposal in the House, Georgia could qualify for more than $1.31 billion in transportation and infrastructure money and $1.17 billion in K-12 education money over two years, according to estimates produced by staff of the key committees.

Of the remaining money for the state, more than $2 billion would be part of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, a majority of which would be directed to support elementary, secondary and postsecondary education, according to an analysis by the National Conference of State Legislatures. The remaining stabilization fund money could be used for public safety and assistance to schools, colleges and universities.

The state’s Medicaid program, currently facing a $208 million hole, could see an influx of $358 million this year and $384 million in 2010 through increased federal matching funds, according to the NCSL analysis.