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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2000
News Release
106th Congress Ends - NEA Offers Mixed Grades
The 107th Congress must address fundamental education needs
Washington, D.C. -- As the 106th Congress completes its work,
National Education Association (NEA) President Bob Chase hailed the
historic increases of $6.5 billion for education funding. "We are
encouraged that Congress today finally passed an education spending bill
that invests in critical programs," said Chase. He noted that the bill
includes significant new funds for school repairs, reduced class size,
teacher quality, improving low-performing schools, special education,
after school, and college student aid. "We are deeply disappointed that
bipartisan school modernization legislation was not passed at a time
when 60 percent of our schools are in need of major repairs."
Considering the overwhelming support for public education from voters
last month, Chase said education should top Congress' agenda in the
107th Congress. "Education can be the priority that unites both
parties," he said. After six years of inaction, a legislative vacuum
continues to exist around education. Consequently, Congress faces a host
of education issues it must address beginning in January, including the
reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Title I
funding, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding,
early childhood programs, teacher quality, school safety, and juvenile
justice measures.
The public has demonstrated overwhelming support for investing in
public education. By a 78 to 16 spread, voters in exit polls said they
preferred programs to fix public schools to proposals to pay for private
and religious schools. In addition the results of the ballot initiatives
nationwide show unprecedented support for public schools. "If there was
any question about what the public wants, this election provides a clear
answer -- strengthening public schools," said Chase.
NEA suggested five priorities for the next session of Congress: 1)
enhancing the quality and expanding access to early childhood education
programs, 2) improving student achievement for all students, including
closing the achievement gap for low-income and minority students, 3)
improving teacher quality through professional development, mentoring
programs, and teacher recruitment incentives, 4) school modernization,
and 5) full funding for special education.
Chase noted that public education advocates were able to block
measures in the 106th Congress that would erode teacher quality and
drain money from public schools with voucher schemes. "We hope efforts
to undermine successful programs through unaccountable block grants and
vouchers will cease and that Congress will heed the message delivered by
voters last month and devote its energy to improving public schools."
Chase noted that the new year and new session of Congress would
provide a very high test for all political leaders. "The task ahead
requires Congress to move from politics to a policy of shared purpose
and practical accomplishment for our children," said Chase.
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The National Education
Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization,
representing more than 2.5 million elementary and secondary teachers,
higher education faculty, education support personnel, school
administrators, retired educators, and students preparing to become
teachers.