A+ Education Partnership Urges Congressional Funding for Research and STEM Education

As Congress tackles difficult budget challenges not unlike those facing Alabama and other states across the nation, the A+ Education Partnership has joined other leading business and education advocates in urging funding priorities that are in the best interest of U.S. competitiveness, economic expansion and job growth.

In a March 9, 2011 letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, A+ and other members of the Business Roundtable-led Tapping America’s Potential (TAP) coalition called on Congress to support strong funding for basic scientific research and math and science education programs.

Among other key points, the letter noted:

• “We write to you as companies and organizations that understand the challenge Congress faces to reduce federal budget deficits and bring the national debt under control.”
• “However, we believe that leaders set priorities that are in the national interest and determine where the federal government’s support is essential for U.S. competitiveness, economic expansion and job growth.”
• “The private sector is doing its part to ensure that the U.S. remains the world’s scientific and technological leader.”
• “The private sector cannot replace, however, the federal support for basic science and engineering research and math and science education that undergirds America’s national economic competitiveness.”

A+ Education Partnership President Caroline Novak sees a strong national commitment to research and STEM education as fundamental to Alabama’s economic well-being.

“Alabama initiatives such as AMSTI, A+ College Ready and college of education programs to develop math and science teachers are examples of programs that could be strengthened by congressional funding of math and science education initiatives.,” Mrs. Novak said.

“The economic challenges facing our state and federal governments are many and the choices are difficult, but STEM education programs are essential to preparing our students to compete in a global economy and to nurturing the kind of innovation we need for long-term economic growth and prosperity.”