The Budget Agreement achieved 99% of the President's budget for non-defense discretionary spending overthe next 5 years. While priority items are protected, there are $61 billion of savings in non-defensediscretionary outlays over the next 5 years -- a 10% real cut by 2002. These priorities will be ratified inthe appropriations process under the budget agreement. LARGEST INCREASE IN EDUCATION INVESTMENT IN 30 YEARS
The budget agreement endorsed President Clinton's overall plan for investing in education and training --$63 billion more than the Republican plan over five years. With the tax cuts for education, this representsthe largest increase in the Federal investment in education in 30 years. The agreement specifically calls for:
Increases funding for Head Start to continue on road to achieve enrollment of 1 million kids in 2002. Largest Pell Grant increase in two decades - boosts the maximum 1998 Pell grant from $2,700 to $3,000, and expands the program to more poor independent students.
Adopts the President's budget request to launch a child literacy initiative consistent with his America Reads program.
Increases funding for bilingual (27% increase) and immigrant education (50% increase).
Includes all of the $579 million increase in funding requested by the President in his FY 1998 budget of $5.3 billion for Training and Employment Services, including Job Corps.
BOLSTERS ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT AND KEY PROGRAMS
Provides a 9% increase for EPA's Operating program which includes research, enforcement, state grants and regulatory programs. Doubles the pace of Superfund cleanups, if policy details can be worked out.
Provides a 6 percent increase for operation of the National Parks, and a more than doubles funding ($156 million) for Everglades Restoration.
PUTS MORE POLICE ON THE STREET
Protects funding for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) initiative, which should put 100,000 more police officers on the street by 2000.
URBAN INITIATIVES
Expansion of Community Development Financial Institution Fund.
