Sharp stimulus
The stimulus package makes considerable strides toward doing what matters most: getting the economy moving.
Highlights of the package include $141.6 billion in education funding, $112.1 billion in health care funding, $58 billion in energy investments and $102 billion in welfare and unemployment funds.
The bill, which the House of Representatives approved Wednesday at a price tag of $819 billion, still must go through the Senate. We hope senators take seriously the bill's flaws while retaining its strongest aspects.
The welfare funding provides good economic bang for the buck: Those unemployed and in need are most prone to spend. Putting emphasis on food stamps will ensure some of the funding is spent on necessities. Ideally, job creation should gradually reduce welfare payments.
Likewise, $87 billion to assist state Medicaid funds will ensure impoverished citizens still have access to health care - again, something that helps prevent them from sagging down the economy for reasons outside their control.
Especially promising is the bill's notable investment in education, including $79 billion to assist beleaguered state budgets. Though the funding marks a steep increase in federal involvement in school districts, this is warranted to ensure that students nationwide are able to receive a decent education - one that has not been cut short because of a shortfall in state revenue.
However, the bill could improve in accountability. Throwing money at the problem will not, by itself, be a remedy. The bill includes a promising provision on teacher equity, meant to draw qualified teachers to low-income districts. The provision should help prompt states to provide better pay for teachers where they are needed most.
Also, $15 billion of the $79 billion is meant to reward districts performing well. Incentives are a plus, but they do not guarantee the funding is being put to good use. For states that do not meet key requirements, the original funding -
