January 2006

Congress Strips Billions from Public Education

Reg Weaver
President, NEA

It's easy to "talk the talk," but it's a little more difficult to "walk the walk."  Just days before Christmas, members of Congress conducted the worst assault on public education in American history. Both the House and Senate passed bills cutting education funding for the first time in a decade. From slashing student aid and record-setting cuts to the so-called 'No Child Left Behind' (NCLB) Act to the first taxpayer-funded, nationwide voucher program, in the guise of hurricane relief, members of Congress demonstrated that they don't have much regard for the education of our children and America's future.

At a time when we need stronger commitment to public education and more investment in our children, both the Senate and House retreated. They all talk about supporting education, but their actions clearly indicate that it's just talk.

For example, many members of Congress praise the No Child Left Behind Act when they're on the campaign trail, but they approved a $1 billion reduction in funding for the Act. Congress also said yes to a $7 million reduction in funding for special education.

A great public school is a basic right for every child, but the irresponsible actions of the U.S. House and Senate seriously jeopardize that right. Please join the members of the National Education Association and let members of Congress know that voting Americans demand more than talk when it comes to supporting public education, we expect actions that back the talk.