I'm also pleased to report that the overwhelming majority of private sector experts are predicting solid, but measured growth in the coming year, with low unemployment, low inflation and strong productivity. This is good news for the American economy and for the American people. And this is no time to abandon the path of fiscal discipline that helped get us here. We must not take our economic strengths for granted. That's why it is critical that we continue to pay down the debt, to keep inflation and interest rates low.
Education is an important part of any strategy for economic growth.
And in this information age, it is essential. With this in mind, I have met twice this week with congressional leaders of both parties to make sure we pass an education budget that prepares our children for the future. It would also expand Head Start, after-school programs, Pell Grants and support students with disabilities. We know these are the basic building blocks of a 21st century work force. I hope Congress will keep its commitment to America's children and pass a balanced budget that makes education the number one priority.