The final stimulus package just approved by Congress and expected to be signed by President Obama sends $16 billion to science and $30 billion to students (in grants and tax credits), according to a report from Inside HigherEd. Additional amounts are plunked down for infrastructure and other activities academics and scientists value and need.

This has all happened in a politically charged environment. In my opinion, Republican carping about the stimulus sounds hollow and disingenuous. Compared to the TARP money approved in 2008, the stimulus now being put into effect is much more targeted, well-managed, and likely to succeed.

Investing in science and academic infrastructure makes sense as part of a stimulus, and supporting higher education and research makes sense for the longer term.

Let’s hope it helps turn the tides.