On the Chopping Block

A group of Democratic and Republican senators sought to trim as much as $100 billion from the economic stimulus plan. Some of the most expensive items to be cut:

· $39.8 billion for state education departments to shore up school budgets.

· $14 billion for education programs, including special education and Head Start.

· $9.5 billion for Energy Department programs, including an environmental cleanup fund.

· $6.5 billion for space exploration, science programs and grants for local crime-fighting efforts.

SOURCE: Senate staff members