David Skaggs: “I cannot support the drastic cuts to education contained in this year's Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill, and I…”

“I cannot support the drastic cuts to education contained in this year's Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill, and I urge a no vote on the bill. The 104th Congress has already slashed education funding by over $1 billion. This bill would continue the dangerous trend toward disinvestment in education by cutting an additional $400 million. We must reverse this dangerous course. A good education is no luxury--it is a necessity. Our economic growth and quality of life in the 21st Century depend on providing the best possible education for all of America's children. Right now, teachers and schools are facing enormous challenges. Enrollments are increasing. Next year, we will have more students in school than at any time in history--51.7 million students--breaking the record set in 1971 when the baby boomers came of age. America's teachers also have to deal with larger numbers of students with inadequate English language skills, developmental problems, and disabilities. This bill does not adequately address the challenges facing our schools. The bill would stall the progress we have made in improving schools and teacher skills. It kills the Goals 2000 initiative, the Eisenhower Professional Development program, Star Schools, and Migrant Education.”