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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2001

News Release

House Leadership Hijacks Education Bill

Providing children with the "basics" for learning is a moral imperative

Washington, D.C. - "A few in House leadership hijacked what was a bipartisan education bill and denied the House the opportunity to even vote on common sense school improvements like school repairs and renovations, smaller classes and full funding for special education," said NEA President Bob Chase. "A handful of House Republicans turned their backs on children and public schools, depriving them of the basics required to achieve at high levels."

Chase said the decision by House leadership to shut out consideration of important priorities such as class size or school construction is dramatically out of step with the public. "Americans have spoken with a loud, clear, and urgent voice: provide the funds needed to ensure safe, clean school buildings and smaller classes for our children," said NEA President said. Parents and taxpayers prefer investing in programs that work to costly voucher schemes, yet the House is doing the opposite.

"At a time when more is expected of students than ever, we have a moral imperative to provide children with the basic resources to help them do their best," said Chase. The American Society of Civil Engineers found school facilities to be in worse condition than any other part of our nation's infrastructure. At an average age of 43-years, one out of three schools is in need of major repairs. Just last year, a bipartisan school repair and construction bill had the backing of a majority of the House, ensuring its passage, but it was never allowed to come to a vote. "It is clear that a few are blocking the will of voters and the will of the House," said Chase.

Chase warned that proposed vouchers and poorly constructed block grants in Congress represent an unnecessary and dangerous diversion to school improvement. The so-called "Straight A's" plan shifts local control to the state and weakens accountability. Vouchers would further undermine accountability. "Vouchers in any form have not passed the ultimate test of education reform -- improving student achievement. We urge members of Congress to continue to reject them, just as voters continue to reject them," said Chase.

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) is the largest legislative vehicle for marshalling much-needed help to America's public schools and is authorized only once every six years. "We urge Congress to get it right and provide students with necessary help to achieve at high levels," said Chase.

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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 personnel, school administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become teachers.