Wellstone, Harkin Urge President Bush to Leave No Child Behind
WASHINGTON - 03.29.01 | At a press conference today Senator Paul Wellstone (D-MN), Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and other Senators unveiled a groundbreaking proposal to double America's investment in education over the next ten years. The proposal, which increases funding for critical programs such as Head Start, early childhood education, IDEA, Title I and Pell grants, would require the federal government to take accountability for our schools and significantly invest in the intellect and skills of our nationís children.
Today, we are doing nowhere near enough to help children, Wellstone said. ìWe have not done nearly enough when 56% of Minnesotaís 10-12 year olds have no after school care. We have not done nearly enough when almost ten percent of students in some Minnesota school districts spend all or part of their day studying in portable classrooms. We have not done nearly enough when 90% of Minnesota principals report a serious shortage of strong teaching candidates. And, we have not done nearly enough when the federal government owes Minnesota $169 million to educate children with disabilities. With this bold step, we can finally look ourselves in the mirror and know that we are living up to our commitments to America's children.
The proposal announced today would significantly expand Head Start and the Early Learning Opportunities Act, allowing access to quality early education programs for all eligible 3- and 4-year-olds. The plan also increases the federal commitment to professional development for teachers and reduces class sizes significantly in grades 1-3. Public schools will be given resources to meet fire and safety codes and improve access to technology for all students. The proposal also increases accountability in education through strong school standards backed up with full funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and additional resources for schools through Title I. Finally, Pell Grants, college loan forgiveness for teachers initiatives, College Work Study, TRIO, and job training will be expanded so that every adult will have the skills necessary to compete in a global economy.
In his inaugural speech President talked about 'leaving no child behind', said Wellstone. And the President, in his education proposal, also spoke about 'leaving no child behind'. I think that is a wonderful value and a wonderful vision for our country. But yet his budget lacks any real investment to make sure that no child is left behind. Instead of playing symbolic politics with children's lives, this proposal makes a real commitment to the intellect and well-being of our children, and I urge the President and my Senate colleagues to support it.
Print This Story
E-mail This Story
