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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 21, 1999

News Release

House says 'Yes' to Student Achievement and 'No' to Voucher Schemes

Defeats Proposal to Use After-school Program Funds to Pay for Vouchers

Washington, D.C. -- The National Education Association (NEA) praised the U.S. House of Representatives' sound defeat today of a proposal to cut funding for school counselors and after-school programs to pay for a scheme that would funnel taxpayer money to private and religious schools. "On a bipartisan basis, Congress said 'yes' to supporting student achievement for all and 'no' to siphoning taxpayer money to vouchers for a few," said NEA President Bob Chase. "The message is penetrating the sometimes thick Capitol Dome -- student achievement requires support and resources."

Across party lines, the House voted 166 to 257 to reject House Majority Leader Dick Armey's $500 million proposal to give a few parents vouchers for private schools, siphoning vital funds away from public schools which serve 90 percent of the nation's children. To pay for this scheme, Armey proposed to eliminate funds for school counseling services and an after school program used to help disadvantaged students meet high standards.

"This action supports what parents and citizens across the country have been working toward -- higher standards and increased accountability in America's classrooms," said Chase. "The bipartisan message sent in today's vote is heartening news for children and public education."

Chase called upon Congress to build on this momentum for public schools by passing funding for class-size reduction and school modernization.

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