A proposed dip in fed funds equal trouble for math and science. (News).

Signs of "fuzzy math" could be creeping into Congressional budget deliberations. Math and science professionals say federal funds that have been penciled in for professional development just don't add up.

A Senate subcommittee recently earmarked $25 million in a new program for Math and Science Partnerships under the No Child Left Behind law. Although the money is doubled from last year, critics say the funds are a far cry from the $450 million that the program was authorized to receive and much less than the program received in past years.

"The funding has dropped precipitously," says James Rubillo, executive director of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. "And right now, more and better math is needed for all children."

Education and business professionals are banding together to push for funding to be increased to at least $100 million. Once the funds reach that trigger point they will be dispersed equally to the states, which can then tailor programs to meet local needs, officials say. If the funding is below that benchmark, the funds will be dispersed in competitive national grants under the National Science Foundation.

"Our concern is that there will be huge pockets that won't see much of that money," says Jodi Peterson, director of legislative affairs with the National Science Teachers Association.

"The reason we like to see it at the state level is so state departments of education can set the grant requirements," adds J. Patrick White, executive director of the Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education. "So, if the issue in a certain school district is that middle school math teachers are under-trained, the grants will accept middle school math teachers."

Education officials hope that an amendment will be introduced on the Senate floor to increase funding. Some big-name businesses, including Intel, Microsoft and Texas Instruments, have voiced their concerns and are also supporting an amendment, officials say.

Lobbying efforts are also focusing on "Dear Colleague" letters, or letters sent from members of Congress to members of funding committees. Laura Kolton, manager of education policy with the American Chemical Society, says two such letters supporting an amendment have been sent to subcommittee members working on this issue. Kolton said 29 senators have signed the letters and House representatives show even more support.