In late September, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas) hosted a roundtable discussion on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center in Dallas. The roundtable examined how public and private stakeholders can work together to improve STEM education, especially at the middle and high school levels.
Johnson is the Ranking Member of the U.S. House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. She was joined at the event by Committee Chairman Ralph Hall (R-Texas). Johnson says the political climate in Washington has not been friendly to innovation, as a number of funding cuts have targeted science and technology programs.
Last April NASA’s budget was cut by $241million and Johnson argues that dollars spent on science and research pay big dividends. She cites how federal research spending has helped bring about innovations like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The congresswoman says her defense of investment in technology seems to “fall on deaf ears,” but she presents detailed, knowledge based information in committee meetings to support her positions.
Johnson said a “new element” in Congress has created a challenging work environment. She wouldn’t go so far as to blame the Tea Party, nor would she indict all of her GOP colleagues.
“I can’t say it’s the entire Republican Party,” Johnson says, “some of them say they wish they could do more to help.” But she adds there is a real fear which has divided the GOP. “I don’t think the Speaker (John Boehner) is engrained with this new element,” says Johnson, though she feels House Majority Leader Eric Cantor plays to the group.
CBCand President Obama
In recent months Congressional Black Caucus members have grown increasingly frustrated with President Barack Obama. Some representatives, including Rep. Maxine Waters (D-California) say he hasn’t done enough to help African-Americans navigate the sour economy.
At the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in September, the President pushed back against his critics. “Stop complaining, stop grumbling, stop crying,” the President said in a tone and voice many of his supporters have been waiting to hear. “We are going to press on. We’ve got work to do, CBC.”
Congresswoman Johnson said she respects the opinions of her colleagues, but disagrees with many of the claims levied against the President. “I know there are some personal things that have come up with several (CBC) members and the President.”
According to Johnson, the President was very clear about his position the last time he met with the caucus. “He said he understands the concerns but there’s not a lot he can do,” she recounts. The President suggested tapping into stimulus funds that have not yet been spent as well as focusing on Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Community Colleges.
Johnson has been a staunch supporter of the President and has been frustrated by how he’s being treated in recent months. “He’s done a lot with what he’s had to work with,” she says, “he can’t just get a pen and say ‘I’m setting up this program.’”
Jobs
Representative Johnson says the Congressional Black Caucus has introduced more than 40 bills related to jobs. She said the caucus has approached different companies to see what, if anything, they can do to help the situation.
Johnson said she’s found the skills being taught in classrooms don’t always line up with the skills that are needed in the workplace. She asserts that more teachers need to be brought into the work place so they can see what their students will face as they enter the job market.
“If [America is] going to continue to be competitive, we have got to focus on education,” Johnson says, adding an emphasis must be placed on technology education. “We’ve got to rise to the occasion,” she adds.
2012 Election Plans
Rep. Johnson was first elected to the U.S. House in 1992. For the last few cycles, there have been whispers of whether or not she would seek reelection. “I’ve been retiring for the last 10 years,” Johnson says. Last year she easily defeated Republican challenger Stephen Broden
Johnson says she intends to seek reelection next year in large part because of the encouragement she’s received throughout Dallas. She intends to make it official with an announcement at Southwest Center Mall this Friday.
“I’ve had the labor and business community and city and county officials approach me about staying,” Johnson explains. “If I wasn’t in this seat there may not be a Democratic representative from North Texas.”
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson spoke exclusively with Dallas S South News Editor Shawn Williams in her Dallas office. (Photo by Grant Meeks)
