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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2002

News Release

Bipartisan Ed Funding Plan Gets Educators' Support

Proposal to Boost Teacher Quality, Low-Income School Assistance

Bob Chase, president of the National Education Association, lauded the Senate Education Appropriations Subcommittee today for approving a bipartisan plan that would increase education investments for teacher quality programs, low-income schools and other education initiatives in the newly enacted federal education law. The proposal triples the amount of funding the Administration requested.

"I commend the work of the chairman, Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), for crafting a proposal that received bipartisan support," Chase said. "Increasing the investment in the new law will help America's students succeed."

The proposal increases funding to improve teacher quality and provides money to Title I programs, which are targeted to schools with low-income students. The proposal also restores funding for rural school programs, increases funding for Head Start and boosts financial aid programs.

"This plan puts the funding for the newly enacted education law on the right track toward the authorized levels first laid out when it was passed last year," Chase said. "It's vitally important to fund this historic new mandate, which is not even a year old. Without the proper funding, Congress and the Administration aren't giving the new education law - and our kids - a chance. We will actively work with Congress to bring additional resources up to the levels needed so every child can receive a high-quality education."

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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.