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Scott Palmer of EducationCounsel Available for Comments
on State of the Union Education Issues

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 27 – President Obama is expected to make education a priority in his State of the Union address tonight and call for reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Further details will emerge in the president's budget request on Monday, February 1.

Scott R. Palmer, co-founder of EducationCounsel LLC, is available to discuss these issues, including the prospects for ESEA reauthorization, proposed spending increases, the Recovery Act, "Race to the Top," and other education matters.  "What is emerging from the Obama Administration is a fundamental shift in No Child Left Behind and the federal role in education," said Palmer. "The vision is for federal law to be tight on ends but loose on means, with a focus on innovation, incentives, and program consolidation.  But it is unclear whether the Administration's rhetoric will translate into legislation."

Mr. Palmer and EducationCounsel work with leading education associations, foundations, and states on a range of education policy, law, and advocacy issues.  Mr. Palmer previously served in the Clinton administration in both the White House and the U.S. Department of Education. He also served as an education advisor on the Obama transition team.  The EducationCounsel team also includes former U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley. 

If you would like to discuss these issues on background or for attribution, please contact Mr. Palmer at 202.545.2916 (w) or 202.468-6504 (c).