Staff Reports
Biden’s recent executive order singling out $19 million in grants for Hispanic-serving schools raises a few eyebrows while stirring up a whirlwind of speculation about his party’s desperate bid to woo Latino voters just days before Election Day. In a move that has some scratching their heads, the order seems less about genuine educational advancement and more about political survival amidst dwindling support among Hispanic communities.
Among the recipients, the University of Puerto Rico’s Rio Piedras Campus nabbed a hearty $5 million, while other educational institutions in Florida, Illinois, and Texas divvied up the leftovers. This money is doled out through the Education Department’s Research and Development Infrastructure Grant Program, which boasts a hefty budget of around $49 million. This particular allocation comes brushed with the signature of the current administration, which has previously awarded over $16 billion nationwide. Yet, Puerto Rico’s share comes as it trails behind Florida, Texas, and California in total funding.
Holy sh*t.
This video of Trump’s MSG entrance just got TAKEN DOWN on Facebook after amassing 150k views in 20 minutes.
You know exactly what to do… pic.twitter.com/5byx0j1Rzk
— shaneyyricch (@shaneyyricch) October 27, 2024
This latest grant announcement magically materializes alongside a frantic scramble by Kamala Harris to patch up the Democratic Party’s declining Hispanic support. Just days ago, a rally featuring former President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden elicited chuckles at the expense of Puerto Rico, prompting the Harris campaign to reassess its approach to Latino outreach quickly. In a fantastically timed coincidence, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona jumped on the bandwagon, vaguely referencing the controversial joke while promoting this new influx of funding, as if the two were somehow connected.
In what can only be described as ironic, Cardona took to social media to express his pride in being Puerto Rican and the Administration’s focus on Puerto Rico. One can’t help but wonder if he fully considered the optics of flaunting increased funding even as Hispanic support for Democrats plummets. In 2012, Barack Obama basked in a 67% share of the Hispanic vote, which slowly dwindled to 59% for Biden, prickling at the thought that perhaps the money isn’t enough to secure votes when sentiment is heading south.
Ultimately, the timing of this financial gift does raise the question of whether it’s a sincere effort to uplift educational standards or a desperate political maneuver to stave off a potential electoral rout. One thing is for certain: as the Biden administration doles out cash like a generous uncle before family Thanksgiving, many are left pondering if it’s all too little, too late.
