Political Quotes

“This news follows on reports earlier this year that indicate Connecticut students lead the nation in reading performance and in math and science. In my state, we have invested in class size, we have invested in teachers. As a result of that, we are getting this kind of academic performance. Not everywhere in the state, performs at these high levels and frankly even in the most affluent parts of my state, too many children fail to reach the advanced levels of performance that we know will be needed to succeed in the next century. What we are suggesting today is, if this works for children, and all the studies as well as the experiences of states like mine suggest, then we should be helping all communities to achieve these smaller class sizes that will help their children succeed. If this amendment is defeated and this appropriations bill is passed without the inclusion of the Murray amendment, it is tantamount to this body giving a pink slip to 29,000 teachers in America. Pay attention to this debate today. We will vote at about 4 p.m. If this body rejects this amendment, then 29,000 teachers will know, as of this date in September, their services are no longer needed in the classrooms of America. If anyone believes that by having more students and fewer teachers, we are going to improve the quality of public education in this country, they are living in a dream world.”