Who deserves a piece of the pie?
Editorial Board
Issue date: 3/6/09 Section: Ed-Op
Like many other organizations throughout the country, Drexel University is looking to get its hands on a piece or two of the economic stimulus pie. The language of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act leaves much to the imagination in some places, so it is now up to the government agencies and committees to appropriate the funds more specifically.
We are glad to hear that a portion of the $787 billion is going directly to students in the form of Pell Grants and work-study money. Additionally, research grants will make it possible for scientific progress to continue in the academic sector amidst economic hardship.
We were interested to hear that some of the research facilities in Drexel's massive, long-term construction plan may qualify for stimulus funding. This is great news, as it would represent an investment in research as well as capital spending which is crucial for moving an economy out of recession.
But given the fact that these projects are already started, Drexel must already have a reasonable amount of funding lined up for them. This brings us to two questions.
First, if Drexel does receive federal grants, will they pass on their savings to students? Construction is already in the budget, and if the price tag is reduced with assistance from the government, perhaps some of this money could be reallocated for scholarships. After all, we need students to fill all these new buildings.
Second, should Drexel pursue federal funds when less well-off institutions might have greater need for the money? Granted, in the words of Interim Provost Mark Greenberg, Drexel's Integrated Sciences Building is a "shovel-ready" project, which will yield results of the immediate variety demanded by this economic crisis. However, there may be other schools that, without federal aid, would not be able to develop their research facilities at all.
The question of who gets to use taxpayer money for what purpose is a delicate one; we wish government officials luck in making these tough decisions and hope that Drexel and other organizations consider carefully the responsibility of receiving such funds when they reach for assistance.
We are glad to hear that a portion of the $787 billion is going directly to students in the form of Pell Grants and work-study money. Additionally, research grants will make it possible for scientific progress to continue in the academic sector amidst economic hardship.
We were interested to hear that some of the research facilities in Drexel's massive, long-term construction plan may qualify for stimulus funding. This is great news, as it would represent an investment in research as well as capital spending which is crucial for moving an economy out of recession.
But given the fact that these projects are already started, Drexel must already have a reasonable amount of funding lined up for them. This brings us to two questions.
First, if Drexel does receive federal grants, will they pass on their savings to students? Construction is already in the budget, and if the price tag is reduced with assistance from the government, perhaps some of this money could be reallocated for scholarships. After all, we need students to fill all these new buildings.
Second, should Drexel pursue federal funds when less well-off institutions might have greater need for the money? Granted, in the words of Interim Provost Mark Greenberg, Drexel's Integrated Sciences Building is a "shovel-ready" project, which will yield results of the immediate variety demanded by this economic crisis. However, there may be other schools that, without federal aid, would not be able to develop their research facilities at all.
The question of who gets to use taxpayer money for what purpose is a delicate one; we wish government officials luck in making these tough decisions and hope that Drexel and other organizations consider carefully the responsibility of receiving such funds when they reach for assistance.
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