Providing for Consideration of H.R. 5618, Restoration of Emergency Unemployment Compensation Act of 2010, and Waiving Requirement of Clause 6(a) of Rule XIII with Respect to Consideration of Certain Resolutions
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Mr. DOGGETT. I thank the gentleman.
This rule makes it possible for us to consider today a supplemental appropriations bill that contains some vital support for public education across America.
Now, most schoolchildren learn that 3 plus 3 equals 6. Last year, the schoolchildren of my State of Texas received an unfortunate lesson in State Republican math. In Texas, 3 plus 3 only equaled 3. How is that?
Well, last year, Texas received more than $3 billion in State Stabilization, economic recovery, or stimulus funds designated for our local school districts, for our schoolchildren. But by exploiting ambiguous language, for every dime of Federal support in State Stabilization moneys that went to Texas, the State took away money that it had already committed for the same purpose. So instead of a historic boost in local school support, our schoolchildren were left no better off than if we had not passed the Economic Recovery Act with these provisions at all. The $3 billion more made no difference for our local schools.
Congressional support for our local school districts reflects a two-fold understanding. First, that our local districts know best what the needs of their students and their teachers and administrators are. Second, that especially in times of a difficult economy, we need to invest in public education. A solid education is the foundation on which our economy and our democracy rests.
Now, our Texas Republican leadership disagreed with both those propositions. They balanced the State budget with Federal economic recovery funds at the same time our Governor was out talking about secession and attacking the economic recovery, much as we have heard this morning.
I am hopeful that this supplemental appropriation will include specific language for Texas made at the request of our Texas Democratic Congressional delegation to ensure that this never happens again.
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Mr. DOGGETT. To ensure that any money that goes for teachers and public education in Texas actually goes to improve our schools and the lives of our schoolchildren.
Earlier this month, statewide groups representing teachers, principals, school boards and school administrators joined about 40 superintendents from across the State to endorse this approach. Through this bill today, with specific language for Texas, we can ensure that our goals last year are achieved and we do something at this difficult time to address the needs of our Texas teachers and our Texas schoolchildren.
I hope this rule can be adopted in order to approve this important language.
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