In testifying before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on April 14, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan requested additional funds from Congress to save education jobs. Senator Tom Harkin introduced legislation that day which would provide 23 billion dollars for that purpose. The funds could be used by districts for hiring or maintaining current education staff. Mr. Harkin stated, “The number of pink slips for educators could easily top 100,000.” Although 23 billion may not be sufficient, Senator Harkin said it is “a good start”. Secretary Duncan would like to see passage this summer so school districts would have the funds the next school year. Senator Harkin’s bill has more than a dozen co-sponsors – all Democrats. This is an indication that the bill will probably not be moving at a fast pace.