We hope the optimism and spirit of Freedom Summer 2022 transcends seasons and becomes part of a collective undertaking to take an active interest in the safety, engagement and protection of our boys. Click here to check out #FreedomSummer2022 highlights: https://t.co/9CvBMCGFZ1pic.twitter.com/ItWXCWR8Iz
Mike Corones: Mapping Obamacare Grants: Which States Got What?
Politics makes for odd sickbed funding. When Texas Senator Ted Cruz made his plans to run for president official, the announcement came with an awkward revelation: Cruz, who has made opposition to the law his signature, would have to enroll in Obamacare.
But Cruz isn’t the only GOP presidential hopeful to hold his nose and accept some filthy healthcare lucre. As this Reuters graphic shows, since 2010, Affordable Care Act (ACA) grants have doled out varying amounts to states, from less than $10 million to over $500 million. Some of those grants have gone to some surprising places: A Reuters exclusive from Andy Sullivan reveals that Governors Scott Walker of Wisconsin, Chris Christie of New Jersey, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana and former Texas Governor Rick Perry collectively applied for and won at least $352 million in ACA grants.
President Barack Obama is introduced by Vice President Joe Biden as he arrives at the Community College of Allegheny County West Hills Center in Oakdale, Pa., The visit was to announce $600M in grants as part of the administration’s Opportunity for All program to train the work force for careers in fields with a growing demand.
****
****
****
Washington Post: Obama Announces $600M In Grant Programs To Prepare Workforce For Jobs
President Obama on Wednesday announced a pair of grant programs designed to bring academic institutions and businesses closer together to help prepare the American workforce for jobs that may otherwise go unfilled. The grant programs total $600 million, money already in the federal budget. The decision to designate the money for these grants arose from a review of federal jobs programs by Vice President Biden, who joined Obama at a community college here outside Pittsburgh to make the announcement. The grant programs Obama announced fall into two categories. The first, to which $500 million is being dedicated, is a competitive process that seeks the best programs linking community colleges with businesses.
The idea is to expand the programs nationally, in part by linking them with industry associations. The other is also competitive and provides $100 million in grants to expand apprentice programs across the country. The United States has far fewer apprentice positions than do European nations, which look to on-the-job training as vital to maintaining capable workforces. Because the money has already been allocated, the grant programs allow the president to bypass a divided Congress, as Obama has made clear he intends to do when he thinks it necessary.
President Barack Obama tours a classroom with Paul Blackford, instructor of the Mechatronics Program, at Community College of Allegheny County West Hills Center
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden tour the Community College of Allegheny West Hills Center with students in the Mechatronics program
The Obama Diary 
You must be logged in to post a comment.