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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2003

News Release

Student Success Not a Priority in Bush Budget

NEA Statement of NEA President Reg Weaver on President's Fiscal Year '04 Budget

"We need to be investing in the things that we know will work to improve student performance: high-quality teachers, small class sizes and a learning environment that is safe and conducive to learning."

"The modest increase in the President's budget does not disguise the fact it eliminates vital programs, promotes a risky voucher program and ignores the dire fiscal crisis communities are facing.

"The programs that are on the chopping block are those programs that will ensure accountability and high standards - training of quality teachers and providing safe and supportive after-school environments. This budget would effectively eliminate the school-wide reform program touted by the No Child Left Behind Act, which the President himself signed into law last year.

"An additional cause for concern and caution is that at the same time he is cutting programs proven to help students succeed, the President is proposing to fund a voucher plan that does nothing to improve student achievement or public education.

"States and local districts are already struggling with budget shortfalls forcing them to cut back on school hours, school days and school programs. It will be impossible for them to meet new federal mandates with a new round of program cuts and freezes. To be more than rhetoric this budget should include direct, unrestricted aid to states in an economic stimulus package designed to help ease this burden."

NEA Analysis of Cuts Made in Proven Programs:

• A 40 percent cut in after-school funds and an 11% cut in Safe and Drug-Free Schools programs. The 21st Century Community Learning Centers would be decreased from $1 billion to $600 million and the Safe and Drug-Free Schools State grants would be decreased from $472 million to $422 million. Both programs have proven track records in improving student success.

• A reduced average Pell Grant to $2,369 per student. Though the President's proposed budget for fiscal year 2004 has a net increase in education funding, the majority of that funding is being used to pay for the Pell Grant funding shortfall. Due to the economic downturn, more alternative students (those not attending college full time) are using the Pell Grant in paying for higher education. However, the average disbursement of amount of the Pell Grant has gone down, due to federal budget shortfalls, even though tuition costs have gone up.

• A 2nd consecutive yearly freeze on funds for teacher training and English-language instruction. A major component of the No Child Left Behind Act is the requirement for schools to have a high-quality teacher in every classroom by the year 2006. The need for English language instruction in schools has greatly increased in the last decade. However, this is the second year the President has proposed freezing federal funding for teacher training and English-language instruction.

• Plans for a Voucher program costing $75 million. Studies show vouchers do not improve student achievement, and have little public support. Private schools receiving federal vouchers would not be held to the same standards as other public schools, making them less accountable.

• Increase in Teacher Tax Deduction for classroom supplies not the answer. The NEA supports the Administration's decision to increase the amount of money a teacher can deduct from personal income tax for classroom supplies purchased. However, the NEA does not believe the budget reflects an overall education plan designed to help students succeed.

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.