By Paul Axel
College Democrats
The recent passage and signature into law of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 signifies a movement in the right direction for our nation. Our country is taking the first step to rebuild our economy, revitalize our financial system and restore faith in the American promise. Although the ARRA’s passing took place with much struggle between Democrats and Republicans, with the law now in effect, it is our responsibility as American citizens, and as the next generation of political leaders, to make the most of the stimulus act.
As students, we have a special place in ARRA. Although national politics does not always directly effect students on the UW-Madison campus, the ARRA will have a direct and positive impact on UW students, especially those from lower-income families. ARRA will provide monetary resources for students pursuing any field of study by increasing the maximum Pell Grant by $500. Furthermore, it will provide an additional $100 million to higher education.
Agriculture students will benefit from over $200 million for infrastructure, grants and programs. Ecology majors will be pleased to learn over $1.6 billion will be spent on a range of ecological programs, including the Forest Service, the National Park System and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife program. The National Science Foundation will receive $2.5 billion for research and related activities, $200 million of which goes directly to modernize academic facilities and an additional $500 million for research equipment and educational resources. History majors like me should be giddy over the $15 million going toward the National Park Service historic preservation fund and $25 million toward Smithsonian facilities.
Perhaps the real winners are engineering students, who will see hundreds of billions of dollars going toward construction in all departments, including energy research, geological surveys, health-care updates and research funding. Civil, electrical, biomedical, mechanical and other engineers will find an almost inconceivable bevy of projects and opportunities in the coming years, as America works to revamp its infrastructure and revitalize the economy.
Despite the grave situation and difficult economic times in which we find ourselves, we students must adopt a proactive approach if we are to take full advantage of the stimulus package. We need to talk to our professors, our employers and our state representatives and tell them our ideas. If the past presidential election has taught us anything, it is that young people and students must become involved on more than simply a cursory level and that real engagement begins—not ends—in the voting booth.
The stimulus package is not so much a tool to stimulate the economy, but a catalyst, a means of inspiration, for propelling the American people into taking action and making our country better. The time for waiting for someone else to do it is over. We have to be the change we seek. Come check out the College Democrats’ Facebook group or attend a meeting and learn how to become more involved in your local community.
