Providing for Consideration of HJ Res. 20, Further Continuing Appropriations, Fiscal Year 2007

PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 20, FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS, FISCAL YEAR 2007

* Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend your work on the Continuing Resolution. Republicans set up a colossal budget failure and created the worst budget mess since the government shut down in 1996. I know you had no choice but to attempt to make lemonade out of the lemons that were left for us.

* With this behind us, we will be able to work together to really meet America's needs. While I am happy that this legislation included increases in the maximum Pell grant, veterans' health care, funding for Community Health Centers, and the NIH, there are some areas that remain in critical need of additional funding. Much has been neglected over the last few years by the Republicans and will require further attention this Congress. In fact, I could stand here all night discussing the specifics. Don't worry, Mr. Speaker, instead I will focus on one area in particular, teacher incentive grants.

* Chicago Public Schools, in collaboration with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), were awarded a 5-year grant under the Teacher Incentive Fund in FY 2006. Chicago Public Schools were one of 16 grantees awarded funding under the new TIF program to develop a program for performance-based teacher pay, specifically targeting high-need schools. This particular grant award totals $27,336,693 over 5 years.

* The first year of funding for the Chicago award totals $131,273. The second year continuation grant is proposed at $4,055,600. This funding is scheduled to be awarded in the fall of 2007 and I would like to make certain that Chicago's schools receive this funding. I am sure that we will be able to work together in the coming months to ensure that this is the case.

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