Issue Position: Education
Issue Position
Issue Position: Education
Federal funding for education is an investment in our children's future and our nation's economic vitality. Although federal funds represent a relatively small proportion of the total expenditures for elementary and secondary education, they provide critical assistance to help local school officials improve their educational programs and meet the special needs of disadvantaged children. Federal student financial aid programs provide critical assistance to help students receive higher education.
In 2001, the U.S. Senate passed the first major overhaul of our nation's education policy since 1994. The bill, which I supported, required each state to establish its own academic standards in key areas like reading, math, science and history for grades 3-8. The package encourages school improvement and innovation; provides full funding commitments for disadvantaged and disabled students; provides support to continue efforts to eliminate achievement gaps and to improve schools found to be failing; targets funds to the neediest communities and their most pressing needs and ensures that resources are available to help students achieve positive results.
During the debate on this measure, I secured passage of an amendment that strengthens math and science education by increasing federal support for math and science partnerships between public schools, institutions of higher education, and businesses.
However, the President's administration has not provided full funding, which is why I introduced a bill to protect school districts from expensive mandates if the federal government refuses to pick up its end of the bargain.
I believe we must do all we can to strengthen our public schools, as they are the primary learning institution for most American children. Adequate funding is a fundamental component of implementing the reforms in last year's education bill. I will work as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee to see that the new programs are funded adequately.
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