By President Barack Obama unveiled a $3.83-trillion spending plan yesterday, pledging an intensified effort to combat high unemployment and asking Congress to quickly approve new job-creation efforts that would boost the deficit to a record $1.56 trillion. Republicans were not impressed, saying the budget fell far short of the bold steps needed in light of the fiscal challenges the country is facing.. Among the proposal's highlights:. $100 billion for investments in small-business tax cuts, infrastructure and clean energy, all designed to create jobs and boost wages.. A three-year freeze on spending for government programs, an effort that does not touch popular benefit programs such as Social Security and Medicare.. The Pell Grant college tuition program would see an increase of $17 billion, helping an additional 1 million students.. Make permanent an annual college tuition tax credit of up to $2,500 per child, said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), who backed the temporary credit included in the federal stimulus.. An increase in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, a $3-billion jump to $28 billion.. Another $33 billion in war spending to sustain operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through September.. $43 million in new funds for the EPA and states to control heat-trapping pollution from automobiles and refineries, power plants and factories.
