Statement

NEA Lauds Connecticut for Standing up for Children

State Shows Federal Government not Funding No Child Left Behind

WASHINGTON -- Below is a statement from National Education Association (NEA) President Reg Weaver on today's filing of a lawsuit by Connecticut against the federal government for not funding the so-called No Child Left Behind Law and forcing the state to use local taxpayer dollars to pay for the law's strict regulations:

"Connecticut is taking a brave stand today by filing a lawsuit against the federal government, and the people of the state should applaud their elected leaders for standing up for children in this important matter.

"We want to make sure Connecticut's residents understand that they are not alone. Earlier this year, we joined with several school districts in Vermont, Texas and Michigan in filing a similar lawsuit based on the simple concept that 'If you regulate, you must compensate.'

"In addition, we have heard from parents, teachers, elected officials and community leaders across the country who are saying 'No more' to the costly federal regulations that drain money from classrooms and spend it on paperwork, bureaucracy and big testing companies. More than 50 different education and civic groups have signed a statement supporting the changes we would like to see made to the law.

"It is time for the federal government to be held accountable for its broken promises. We look forward to this matter being heard in a court of law."

For more information about the NEA Lawsuit, visit: http://www.nea.org/lawsuit.

August 22, 2005

For More Information Contact:

Denise Cardinal, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7239
Staci Maiers, NEA Public Relations, (202) 822-7150

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