Joe Lieberman: “I rise today to clarify why I voted against the Voinvich amendment No. 443 to the ESEA reauthorization bill dealing with…”

“I rise today to clarify why I voted against the Voinvich amendment No. 443 to the ESEA reauthorization bill dealing with loan forgiveness for Head Start teachers. It amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend loan forgiveness for certain loans to Head Start teachers. I thoroughly agree with the ideas expressed in this amendment and have supported incentives for teachers in the past. However, I could not support the amendment because it was not germane to the ESEA reauthorization. I would have supported such an amendment in the context of the Higher Education Act. The amendment provided a tax credit for those individuals who agree to be employed as a Head Start teacher for 5 consecutive years and have demonstrated knowledge and teaching skills in reading, writing, and early childhood development. I strongly believe that it is essential that we have qualified individuals employed in our Head Start programs and working with our youngest children. However, I voted against the amendment, because it was not germane to the ESEA legislation.”