Duckworth Speaks Out Against Education Cuts

DUCKWORTH SPEAKS OUT AGAINST EDUCATION CUTS

Congressional candidate Tammy Duckworth leveled criticism at the massive cuts in education funding proposed in President Bush's Fiscal Year 2007 budget.

The President's budget, unveiled earlier this week, includes more than $2 billion in education cuts which will impact students at all levels of schooling—from pre-school to college. Among the results of the Bush administration's new budget would be limits on students' access to Pell Grants and Perkins Loans programs, fewer dollars to carry out the No Child Left Behind act, and the elimination of key vocational education programs.

"Like a teacher standing at a chalkboard, the President has ‘erased' important funds that are necessary to help students at all levels of schooling—from pre-school to college and even graduate school," she said.

"This budget hurts America's future—because it hurts our children's opportunities," said Duckworth. The president's budget will have a particularly harsh impact in Illinois, Duckworth pointed out. For example, the budget contains a nationwide shortfall of $ 15.4 billion in funding for the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) act, and a $530 million shortfall in Illinois. As a result, approximately 159,000 Illinois school children will be adversely affected.

"Rather than leaving No Child Behind—this budget means that our kids will be further behind than ever before," Duckworth said. "Further behind where they should be-- and further behind their counterparts in the rest of the world who are surpassing American students in math, science and other topics."

In the area of special education funding, the state will receive $283 million less than promised for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

The Bush administration budget also cuts aid to disadvantaged students, by slashing 42 existing programs aimed at assisting students from pre-school through college. Two programs which help disadvantaged students get into and succeed in college - the "Gear Up" and "Trio" programs— will be greatly impacted. In Illinois, these two programs have combined to provide more than $67 million in annual assistance to students.

The president's budget also calls for further cuts and freezes in programs that help people pursue college and graduate level studies. For the fourth consecutive year, Pell grant programs will be frozen. The budget also cuts the Perkins Loan program, which provides low-interest loans to help needy students.

These measures are on top of a $12.7 billion cut in student loans signed into law this week by President Bush that will take affect during the current Fiscal Year 2006. Duckworth pointed out that this cut in student loans was almost the same amount of money that the current Congress and administration gave to oil and gas companies as part of the federal energy bill approved last year.

"Instead of giving away billions to the special interests, this Congress should be standing up for our families struggling to pay their kids' college tuitions. Instead of more tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans, this Administration and this Congress should be investing in our future, by making sure that our students have the resources to pursue their goals," she said.

Duckworth pointed out that many local colleges and their students are put at risk by the cuts. For instance, College of DuPage and its students annually receive approximately $5 million per year in federal aid (source: Crain's Chicago Business, Nov. 2005).

Duckworth's strong stand on education issues has earned her the endorsement of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, representing educators throughout the state.

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