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Radio Address - Education Budget 12/2/00
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Radio Address - Education Budget 12/2/00
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2
Final 12/01/00 7:00pm
Jeff Shesol
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON THE EDUCATION BUDGET
THE WHITE HOUSE
December 2, 2000
the
Good morning. This weekend, Congress is on its
way back to Washington after an extended break. Today,
I want to tell you how important it is that we get right
back to business, and fulfill our responsibility to give our
children a world-class education.
Earlier this year, I sent Congress a budget that would
make vital investments in education. It's a budget that
puts our children first: by investing more in our schools
and demanding more from them
by modernizing old
schools, building new ones, and reducing class sizes
by
hiring more well-prepared teachers, expanding after-
school programs, and turning around failing schools.
1
That was back in February. Ten months have passed
since then; three seasons have turned; and Congress
decided to break for the election without passing an
education budget. But this week, Congress returns to
session, and it still has time to get the job done. Congress
should pass an education budget as its first order of
business.
Fortunately, we are already standing on common
ground. When Congress left town, we had already
reached an historic agreement with members of both
parties. A broad, bipartisan coalition has pledged to
provide much-needed funding to reduce class sizes; to
provide crucial repairs for crumbling schools; to improve
teacher quality; and to expand HeadStart, after-school
programs, Pell Grants, and support for students with
disabilities.
2
I hope the Congress will keep its commitments to
America's children. Even in the final days of this session,
Congress should remember those first, fundamental
obligations - and keep working until it fulfills them. Now
is not the time to walk away from that agreement,
especially when we are so close to the finish line. A lot is
at stake here: the condition of schools, the quality of our
teachers, and, most important, the education of our
children.
Today, I am releasing a report that shows exactly
what's at stake for children in all 50 states. If Congress.
fails to pass this bipartisan education budget, California,
for example, stands to lose almost three-quarters of a
billion dollars in additional education funds.
3
New York could lose more than $40 million for more
after-school and summer school programs. Illinois could
lose nearly $70 million in added support for students with
disabilities.
With America facing the largest student enrollment in
history, and with an historic agreement so close to
conclusion, there is no reason why we should not work
together - across party lines - to get the job done.
If we work together, we can complete this year's
unfinished business, and prepare our nation to meet the
challenges of the years to come. We can meet America's
other pressing priorities, from the health of our families to
the safety of our neighborhoods; and ensure that the circle
of opportunity continues to expand, until it embraces
Americans from every corner of our country, and every
walk of life.
4
The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on
the values that unite us. As families, there is nothing we
hold more dear than our children; and, as a nation, there
are few things more important than our children's
education. A good education, as every parent knows, is a
gift that keeps on giving - for an entire lifetime. So let's
join together - as two parties, as one country - and give
our children the schools and the teachers and the future
they deserve.
Thanks for listening.
5
Final 12/01/00 7:00pm
Jeff Shesol
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON THE EDUCATION BUDGET
THE WHITE HOUSE
December 2, 2000
Good morning. This weekend, Congress is on its way back to Washington after an
extended break. Today, I want to tell you how important it is that we get right back to business,
and fulfill our responsibility to give our children a world-class education.
Earlier this year, I sent Congress a budget that would make vital investments in
education. It's a budget that puts our children first: by investing more in our schools and
demanding more from them by modernizing old schools, building new ones, and reducing
class sizes by hiring more well-prepared teachers, expanding after-school programs, and
turning around failing schools.
That was back in February. Ten months have passed since then; three seasons have
turned; and Congress decided to break for the election without passing an education budget. But
this week, Congress returns to session, and it still has time to get the job done. Congress should
pass an education budget as its first order of business.
Fortunately, we are already standing on common ground. When Congress left town, we
had already reached an historic agreement with members of both parties. A broad, bipartisan
coalition has pledged to provide much-needed funding to reduce class sizes; to provide crucial
repairs for crumbling schools; to improve teacher quality; and to expand HeadStart, after-school
programs, Pell Grants, and support for students with disabilities.
I hope the Congress will keep its commitments to America's children. Even in the final
days of this session, Congress should remember those first, fundamental obligations - and keep
working until it fulfills them. Now is not the time to walk away from that agreement, especially
when we are SO close to the finish line. A lot is at stake here: the condition of schools, the
quality of our teachers, and, most important, the education of our children.
Today, I am releasing a report that shows exactly what's at stake for children in all 50
states. If Congress fails to pass this bipartisan education budget, California, for example, stands
to lose almost three-quarters of a billion dollars in additional education funds. New York could
lose more than $40 million for more after-school and summer school programs. Illinois could
lose nearly $70 million in added support for students with disabilities.
With America facing the largest student enrollment in history, and with an historic
agreement so close to conclusion, there is no reason why we should not work together - across
party lines - to get the job done.
1
If we work together, we can complete this year's unfinished business, and prepare our
nation to meet the challenges of the years to come. We can meet America's other pressing
priorities, from the health of our families to the safety of our neighborhoods; and ensure that the
circle of opportunity continues to expand, until it embraces Americans from every corner of our
country, and every walk of life.
The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on the values that unite us. As families,
there is nothing we hold more dear than our children; and, as a nation, there are few things more
important than our children's education. A good education, as every parent knows, is a gift that
keeps on giving - for an entire lifetime. So let's join together - as two parties, as one country -
and give our children the schools and the teachers and the future they deserve.
Thanks for listening.
2
Draft 12/01/00 5:15pm
Jeff Shesol
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON THE EDUCATION BUDGET
THE WHITE HOUSE
December 2, 2000
Good morning. This weekend, Congress is on its way back to Washington after an
extended break. Today, I want to tell you how important it is that we get right back to business,
and fulfill our responsibility to give our children a world-class education.
Earlier this year, I sent Congress a budget that would make vital investments in
education. It's a budget that puts our children first: by investing more in our schools and
demanding more from them by modernizing old schools, building new ones, and reducing
class sizes by hiring more well-prepared teachers, expanding after-school programs, and
turning around failing schools.
That was back in February. Ten months have passed since then; three seasons have
turned; and Congress, unfortunately, has yet to pass an education budget. The clock is still
ticking; our children are still waiting. So this week, when Congress returns to Washington, it
should pass an education budget as its first order of business.
Fortunately, we are already standing on common ground. When Congress left town, we
had already reached an historic agreement with members of both parties. A broad, bipartisan
coalition has pledged to provide much-needed funding to reduce class sizes; to provide crucial
repairs for crumbling schools; to improve teacher quality; and to expand HeadStart, after-school
programs, Pell Grants, and support for students with disabilities.
I hope the Congress will keep its commitments to America's children. Even in the final
days of this session, Congress should remember those first, fundamental obligations - and keep
working until it fulfills them. Now is not the time to walk away from that agreement, especially
when we are so close to the finish line. A lot is at stake here: the condition of schools, the
quality of our teachers, and, most important, the education of our children.
Today, I am releasing a report that shows exactly how important this education budget is
to students in all 50 states. If Congress fails to pass this bipartisan budget, California, for
example, stands to lose almost three-quarters of a billion dollars in additional education funds.
New York could lose more than $40 million for more after-school and summer school programs.
Illinois could lose nearly $70 million in added support for students with disabilities.
With America facing the largest student enrollment in history, and with an historic
agreement so close to conclusion, there is no reason why we should not work together - across
party lines - to get the job done.
1
[In that spirit, I have contacted the leaders of both parties in Congress, and invited them
to meet me here at the White House in the next few days. I want to ensure that we stand - and
work - together on the common ground we reached before the election.]
If we work together, we can complete this year's unfinished business, and prepare our
nation to meet the challenges of the years to come. We can meet America's other pressing
priorities, from the health of our families to the safety of our neighborhoods; and ensure that the
circle of opportunity continues to expand, until it embraces Americans from every corner of our
country, and every walk of life.
The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on the values that unite us. As families,
there is nothing we hold more dear than our children; and, as a nation, there are few things more
important than our children's education. A good education, as every parent knows, is a gift that
keeps on giving - for an entire lifetime. So let's join together - as two parties, as one country'-
and give our children the schools and the teachers and the opportunities they deserve.
Thanks for listening.
2
Betwann little
Draft 12/01/00 5pm
Jeff Shesol
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON THE EDUCATION BUDGET
THE WHITE HOUSE
December 2, 2000
Good morning. This weekend, Congress is on its way back to Washington after an
extended break. Today, I want to tell you why it's sohow important it is that we get right back to
business, and fulfill our responsibility to give our children a world-class education.
Earlier this year, I sent Congress a budget that would make vital investments in
education. It's a budget that puts our children first: by investing more in our schools and
demanding more from them by modernizing old schools, building new ones, and reducing
class sizes by hiring more well-prepared and better trained teachers, expanding after-school
programs, and turning around failing schools.
That was back in February. Ten months have passed since then; three seasons have
turned; and Congress, unfortunately, has yet to pass an education budget. The clock is still
ticking; our children are still waiting. So this week, when Congress returns to Washington, it
should pass an education budget as its first order of business.
Fortunately, we are already standing on common ground. When Congress left town, we
had already reached an historic agreement with members of both parties that would have
increased education spending by almost $8 billion. A broad, bipartisan coalition has pledged to
provide much-needed funding to reduce class sizes; to provide crucial repairs for crumbling
schools; to improve teacher quality; and to expand HeadStart, after-school programs, Pell Grants,
and support for students with disabilities.
I hope the Congress will keep its commitments to America's children. Even in the final
days of this session, Congress should remember those first, fundamental obligations - and keep
working until it fulfills them. Now is not the time to walk away from that agreement, especially
when we are so close to the finish line. A lot is at stake here: the condition of schools, the
quality of our teachers, and, most important, the education of our children.
Today, I am releasing an analysis report that shows exactly how important this education
budget is to students in all 50 states. If Congress fails to pass this bipartisan budget, California,
for example, stands to lose almost three-quarters of a billion dollars in additional education
funds. New York could lose more than $40 million for more after-school and summer school
programs. Illinois could lose nearly $70 million in added support for students with disabilities.
With America facing the largest student enrollment in history, and with an historic
agreement so close to conclusion, there is no reason why we should not work together - across
party lines - to get the job done. Not passing this bipartisan budget could deny students as much
as $8 billion in much-needed support for their education.
1
[In that spirit, I have contacted the leaders of both parties in Congress, and invited them
to meet me here at the White House in the next few days. I want to ensure that we stand - and
work - together on the common ground we reached before the election.]
If we work together, we can complete this year's unfinished business, and prepare our
nation to meet the challenges of the years to come. We can meet America's other pressing
priorities, from the health of our families to the safèty of our neighborhoods; and ensure that the
circle of opportunity continues to expand, until it embraces Americans from every corner of our
country, and every walk of life.
The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on the values that unite us. As families,
there is nothing we hold more dear than our children; and, as a nation, there are few things more
important than our children's education. A good education, as every parent knows, is a gift that
keeps on giving - for an entire lifetime. So let's join together - as two parties, as one country -
and give our children the schools and the teachers and the opportunities they deserve.
Thanks for listening.
2
Bethaug 65543
RADIO
call many
THE WHITE HOUSE
ADDRESS12/2
WASHINGTON
Ricei-
loretta mtg. 11/30 11:00am
aggregate
Set up budget
gaper. Betriduy
on mem Fr.
Release ed state. by. state
how la. state wd suffer if it afalls through
Blloic
Joee; People need reminder
respons.
Old yr'u business incomplete
Before the elections, congress left
critical work undone
2) we did have wig bipart. agree on
-ed (mist. ed. budger)
(- get quotes from Hastert, erc.)
- -Headstart, child care (chow)
3) failure
(some in congress are about talling
fewer kids, teachers, etc.
6-mo. CR
-dont
4) drive by -hut be generic
aptinto
this
- cume (today)
spec.)
- Avour
may have called leaders by Set.
and ashed for a mon. or Thes. mtg
- if so, mention
9:30 NW gate
Final 12/01/00 7:00pm
Jeff Shesol
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON THE EDUCATION BUDGET
THE WHITE HOUSE
December 2, 2000
Good morning. This weekend, Congress is on its way back to Washington after an
extended break. Today, I want to tell you how important it is that we get right back to business,
and fulfill our responsibility to give our children a world-class education.
Earlier this year, I sent Congress a budget that would make vital investments in
education. It's a budget that puts our children first: by investing more in our schools and
demanding more from them by modernizing old schools, building new ones, and reducing
class sizes by hiring more well-prepared teachers, expanding after-school programs, and
turning around failing schools.
Cong
broke
That was back in February. Ten months have passed since then; three seasons have
for
turned; and Congress, unfortunately, has yet to pass an education budget. The clock is still
election
ticking; our children are still waiting this week, when Congress returns to Washington, it
+it
w/o
should pass an education budget as its first order of business.
passing
27till has time to
Fortunately, we are already standing on common ground. When Congress left town, we
had already reached an historic agreement with members of both parties. A broad, bipartisan
coalition has pledged to provide much-needed funding to reduce class sizes; to provide crucial
repairs for crumbling schools; to improve teacher quality; and to expand HeadStart, after-school
programs, Pell Grants, and support for students with disabilities.
I hope the Congress will keep its commitments to America's children. Even in the final
days of this session, Congress should remember those first, fundamental obligations - and keep
working until it fulfills them. Now is not the time to walk away from that agreement, especially
when we are so close to the finish line. A lot is at stake here: the condition of schools, the
quality of our teachers, and, most important, the education of our children.
Today, I am releasing a report that shows exactly what's at stake for children in all 50
states. If Congress fails to pass this bipartisan education budget, California, for example, stands
to lose almost three-quarters of a billion dollars in additional education funds. New York could
lose more than $40 million for more after-school and summer school programs. Illinois could
lose nearly $70 million in added support for students with disabilities.
With America facing the largest student enrollment in history, and with an historic
agreement so close to conclusion, there is no reason why we should not work together - across
party lines - to get the job done.
1
If we work together, we can complete this year's unfinished business, and prepare our
nation to meet the challenges of the years to come. We can meet America's other pressing
priorities, from the health of our families to the safety of our neighborhoods; and ensure that the
circle of opportunity continues to expand, until it embraces Americans from every corner of our
country, and every walk of life.
The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on the values that unite us. As families,
there is nothing we hold more dear than our children; and, as a nation, there are few things more
important than our children's education. A good education, as every parent knows, is a gift that
keeps on giving - for an entire lifetime. So let's join together - as two parties, as one country -
and give our children the schools and the teachers and the future they deserve.
Thanks for listening.
2
Draft 12/01/00 5pm
Jeff Shesol
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON THE EDUCATION BUDGET
THE WHITE HOUSE
December 2, 2000
Good morning. This weekend, Congress is on its way back to Washington after an
extended break. Today, I want to tell you how important it is that we get right back to business,
and fulfill our responsibility to give our children a world-class education.
Earlier this year, I sent Congress a budget that would make vital investments in
education. It's a budget that puts our children first: by investing more in our schools and
demanding more from them by modernizing old schools, building new ones, and reducing
class sizes by hiring more well-prepared teachers, expanding after-school programs, and
turning around failing schools.
That was back in February. Ten months have passed since then; three seasons have
turned; and Congress, unfortunately, has yet to pass an education budget. The clock is still
ticking; our children are still waiting. So this week, when Congress returns to Washington, it
should pass an education budget as its first order of business.
Fortunately, we are already standing on common ground. When Congress left town, we
had already reached an historic agreement with members of both parties. A broad, bipartisan
coalition has pledged to provide much-needed funding to reduce class sizes; to provide crucial
repairs for crumbling schools; to improve teacher quality; and to expand HeadStart, after-school
programs, Pell Grants, and support for students with disabilities.
I hope the Congress will keep its commitments to America's children. Even in the final
days of this session, Congress should remember those first, fundamental obligations - and keep
working until it fulfills them. Now is not the time to walk away from that agreement, especially
when we are so close to the finish line. A lot is at stake here: the condition of schools, the
quality of our teachers, and, most important, the education of our children.
what's
at
stalie
Today, I am releasing a report that shows exactly how important this education budget is
for
lids
to students in all 50 states. If Congress fails to pass this bipartisan budget, California, for
example, stands to lose almost three-quarters of a billion dollars in additional education funds.
pump
New York could lose more than $40 million for more after-school and summer school programs.
up
Illinois could lose nearly $70 million in added support for students with disabilities.
With America facing the largest student enrollment in history, and with an historic
agreement so close to conclusion, there is no reason why we should not work together - across
party lines - to get the job done.
1
If we work together, we can complete this year's unfinished business, and prepare our
nation to meet the challenges of the years to come. We can meet America's other pressing
priorities, from the health of our families to the safety of our neighborhoods; and ensure that the
circle of opportunity continues to expand, until it embraces Americans from every corner of our
country, and every walk of life.
The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on the values that unite us. As families,
there is nothing we hold more dear than our children; and, as a nation, there are few things more
important than our children's education. A good education, as every parent knows, is a gift that
keeps on giving - for an entire lifetime. So let's join together - as two parties, as one country -
and give our children the schools and the teachers and the opportunities they deserve.
Thanks for listening.
2
Draft 12/01/00 3:45pm
Jeff Shesol
PRESIDENT WILLIAM J. CLINTON
RADIO ADDRESS ON THE EDUCATION BUDGET
THE WHITE HOUSE
December 2, 2000
Good morning. The holiday season is upon us; and as we count the days toward the new
year, I want to talk to you about finishing last year's business, and fulfilling our responsibility to
our children and their schools.
Earlier this year, I sent Congress a budget that would make vital investments in
education. It's a budget that puts our children first: by investing more in our schools and
demanding more from them by modernizing old schools, building new ones, and reducing
class size by hiring more and better trained teachers, expanding after-school programs, and
turning around failing schools.
That was back in February. Ten months have passed since then; three seasons have
turned; and Congress, unfortunately, has yet to pass an education budget. When Congress left
town before Election Day, it left this piece of critical national business unfinished. The overtime
clock is still ticking; our children are still waiting. And this week, when Congress returns to
Washington, it should seize this last opportunity to pass an education budget. It should, at long
last, fulfill this basic obligation to the people - to the children - we were all sent here to serve.
Fortunately, we are already standing on common ground. When Congress left town, our
administration had already reached a historic agreement with members of both parties. A broad,
bipartisan coalition has pledged to provide much-needed funding to reduce class size; to provide
crucial repairs for crumbling schools; to improve teacher quality; and to expand after-school
Headwart
Bell
opportunities, access to college, and support for children with disabilities.
pell arains
students
I hope the Congress will keep its commitments to America's children. Even in the final
days of this session, Congress should remember those first fundamental obligations - and keep
working until it fulfills them. I hope Congress won't soalls back away when we are so close to the Das happ
some
finish line. Because if Congress backs away out from of the commitments it has made, it would be backing
away from our schools, our teachers, and, most important, our students.
suggested
of cong Kbandonting this agreement
If Congress walks away, it would mark a costly retreat from their responsibilities. And
l
it's our children who would pay the highest price. Today, I am releasing a set of reports that
shows exactly how important this education budget is to students in every state in America. If
Congress fails to pass this bipartisan budget, California, for example, stands to lose almost three-
quarters of a billion dollars in additional education funds. New York could lose more than $40
million for more after-school and summer school programs. Illinois could lose nearly $70
million in added support for students with disabilities.
1
Final
In the last days of this Congress, passing an education budget has to be our first priority.
With America facing the largest student enrollment in history, and with a historic agreement so
close to conclusion, there is no reason why we cannot work together - across party lines - to get
the job done.
[In that spirit, I have contacted the leaders of both parties in Congress, and invited them
to meet me here at the White House in the next few days. I want to ensure that we stand - and
work - together on the common ground we reached before the election.]
Working together, we can complete this year's unfinished business, and prepare our
nation to meet the challenges of the years to come. Working together, we can meet America's
other pressing priorities, from the health of our families to the safety of our neighborhoods; and
ensure that the circle of opportunity continues to expand, and includes more and more Americans
from every walk of life.
The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on the values that unite us. As families,
there is nothing we hold more dear than our children; and, as a nation, there are few things more
important than our children's education. So let's join together - as two parties, as one country -
and let give our children the schools and the teachers and the opportunities they deserve. A
good education is G a gift, as we know, that will keep on giving for an entire lifetime. Thanks for
listening.
ster
2
COMPLETE
December
Today, in his weekly radio address, President Clinton will call on the returning Congress to finish the nation's work it has
left undone for over two months. The President's remarks will focus on the bipartisan education agreement reached in
November as one example of crucial work that Congress cannot ignore. The President will urge the Republican
leadership to pass the bipartisan agreement that would increase federal support for improving education by nearly $8
billion, and to further bipartisan cooperation by passing school modernization tax legislation that has the support of 231
members of the House of Representatives, a bipartisan majority. He will also release an analysis by the U.S. Department
of Education that illustrates the amount of federal education funding each state stands to lose if Congress backtracks on
the budget consensus that had been negotiated before the election.
KEEPING OUR COMMITMENT TO KIDS. Shortly before Congress adjourned in November, a reasonable
bipartisan agreement was reached - only to be abandoned at the last minute by the Republican leadership. If Congress fails
to finish this crucial budget that is already months late, they will put at risk an historic increase in education investments at a
time when the American public considers education one of its highest priorities. Backing away from the consensus budget
plan and freezing funding at FY 2000 levels would jeopardize critical increases agreed to by budget negotiators on both
sides, including:
$1 Billion for Urgent Repairs. Turning back on the bipartisan agreement would eliminate the landmark emergency
repair fund established to help school districts repair roofs, heating and cooling systems, and electrical wiring in thousands
of schools.
$547 Million for Expanded After-School Opportunities. Approximately 850,000 children and adults will not have
access to extended learning opportunities in after-school centers if Congress does not pass the agreed upon budget plan
which more than doubled investments in after school to $1 billion.
$450 Million for Additional Class Size Reduction Teachers. Without this additional funding, school districts will be
unable to hire approximately 12,000 new teachers to help reduce class sizes for nearly 650,000 students in the early
grades. 1.7 million children across the country are already benefiting from smaller classes.
$639 Million for Improving Basic Skills. Targeted Title I services aimed at helping disadvantaged students reach high
standards will be withheld from over 900,000 students if the bipartisan agreement is not passed.
$250 Million for Updating Teacher's Skills. Nearly 15,000 school districts will be shortchanged the desperately
needed $250 million increase in Eisenhower Teacher Professional Development grants, which would help reduce the
number of uncertified teachers and teachers not trained in the subjects they are teaching.
$116 Million to Help Turn Around Failing Schools. Over 2,300 failing schools will not get extra resources to turn
around low academic performance if Congress does not pass the agreed upon budget plan.
$125 Million in GEAR UP College Preparation Increases. Without the $125 million increase in funding,
approximately 600,000 low-income middle and high school students will be denied access to the tutoring, counseling and
mentoring they need to prepare for college, and continuation grants could not be fully funded.
$1 Billion in Head Start Increases. Approximately 70,000 fewer low-income children will be able to participate in early,
comprehensive development and family services if Congress reneges on its commitment.
$1.7 Billion in Special Education Increases. Without the increases in the consensus budget, States will not receive a
$1.7 billion increase to assist in educating over 6 million children with disabilities.
$1.4 Billion for Pell Grant Increases. The maximum Pell grant scholarship for needy students would not increase by
$500, to $3800, denying increased aid to nearly 4 million low-income college students.
STATES COULD LOSE CRITICAL INCREASES FOR EDUCATION. The President will release a set of state-by-state
analyses of the nearly $8 billion in education funding that would be lost if Congress does not act to pass the consensus budget.
Among the five largest states, California could lose almost $715 million in additional education funds, Texas could lose more
than $100 million in support for emergency school repairs, New York could lose more than $40 million for more after school
and summer school programs, Florida could lose almost $20 million to hire additional high-quality teachers to reduce class
sizes in the early grades, and Illinois could lose almost $70 million in additional support to educate students with disabilities.
OF
UNITED STATES
EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
NEWS
ENTED STATES UNITED STATES OF PAMERICA
EMABARGOED UNTIL
Contact: Alexander Wohl
December 2, 2000 at 10:06 a.m.
(202) 401-3026
ALMOST $8 BILLION INCREASE IN EDUCATION FUNDS AT RISK IF CONGRESS
DOES NOT ACT
As Congress returns on Monday to finish the federal budget more than two months late, millions
of schoolchildren across the country are still waiting for increases in education funding. The
bipartisan agreement abandoned by the Republican leadership when they adjourned in November
would increase federal education investment by almost $8 billion.
"When Congress left town prior to Election Day, it left some very important unfinished
business," said U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley: " When members come back to
Washington they need to put politics aside and finish this piece of the nation's business by
passing an education budget that includes the increases in the bipartisan agreement."
The budget agreement set aside by Republicans in Congress included new funding to reduce
class size; to provide emergency repairs for run down schools; to increase after-school
opportunities; to improve teacher quality; to help turn around low-performing schools, to
strengthen support for children with disabilities, and to expand access and funding for college.
However, at the very last minute, the agreement did not receive the support of the congressional
leadership. Failure by Congress to pass this bipartisan budget would demonstrate their
willingness to put partisan politics ahead of America's children.
Almost $8 billion in new funding for education is in jeopardy if the Congress fails to act on the
FY2001 budget, including increases in a number of key areas, including:
Reducing Class Size with the third installment to hire and train 100,000 new teachers
over seven years to reduce class sizes in early grades to 18 students per class: + 450,000,000
Upgrade Teacher Skills and Quality with Eisenhower Professional Development State
Grants that help teachers improve their skills in core academic subjects and reduce the number of
uncertified and out-of-field teachers: + $250,000,000
Improve Reading and Math by increasing Title I Grants to local education agencies
which help disadvantaged students learn the basics and achieve high standards: + $639,000,000
School Renovation Grants would provide support for emergency repairs, such as repair
of roofs, plumbing and electrical systems, meeting fire and safety codes; a portion of the funds
will also go to technology and special education activities: + $1,000,000,000
21st Century After-School Programs offer families a safe place for their children to
learn during after-school and summertime hours: + $547,000,000
Strengthen Accountability by accelerating state and local efforts to improve the lowest
performing Title I schools with reforms ranging from intensive teacher training to required
implementation of proven reforms to school takeovers: + $116,000,000
Comprehensive School Reform help schools develop or adapt comprehensive school
reform models that are based on reliable research and effective practices: + $40,000,000
Special Education Grants to States assist states in providing a free appropriate public
education to more than 6.3 million children with disabilities nationally: + $1,700,000,000
Pell Grants provide grant assistance to help low-income undergraduate students attend
college: + $1,400,000,000 (an increase of $500 in the maximum Pell grant)
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants provide grant assistance to low-
income undergraduate students: + $60,000,000
Federal Work-Study helps undergraduate and graduate students pay for college through
part-time work assistance: + $77,000,000
GEAR UP prepares low-income middle and high school students for college by
providing tutoring, counseling, and financial aid: + $125,000,000
"I hope that when Congress returns to work next week, it will move forward with this
nearly $8 billion increase and go one step further to pass school modernization tax legislation."
Riley said, "It would be incredibly irresponsible for Congress to adjourn yet again without
addressing America's priorities."
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