Owens is right to back Jobs for Education bill

I applaud Congressman Bill Owens's support for the Jobs for Education bill passed Tuesday, Aug. 10, and signed into law on the same day. I do so for two reasons: It's good for our students, many of whom have been seeing class sizes rise and program offerings decimated during this fiscal crisis, and it's critically important for our local economy.

Local voters support our schools; 94 percent of the school budgets put before the voters were approved this May. But within most of these budgets, there were significant cuts, program eliminations and layoffs. The Jobs For Education law now provides our schools with the opportunity to restore many of those positions and programs. And it is done in such a way that in doesn't cost local taxpayers a nickel. It is being paid for through modest cuts in other federal programs.

Rehiring those whose positions were cut is fiscally prudent. Those who were facing job elimination now will not be forced to rely on the state for unemployment. And their earnings will continue to be reinvested right here in our communities. Beyond that, quality public education is necessary to grow our economy now. Congressman Owens's support for the measure helps stimulate the economy of the north country, and it's an investment in our children's future.

The alternative — hundreds of layoffs, increased unemployment, more mortgages going into foreclosure — is unacceptable. Let's give credit where credit is due. Thank you, Bill Owens.

Roderick Sherman

Plattsburgh