Political Quotes

“I rise today to thank the managers of the bill for accepting a modified form of the amendment that I had proposed to Goals 2000. This amendment would state that nothing in this bill would authorize the Federal Government to mandate the use of any curriculum, instructional material, or test by home schools or private schools. I have heard from a lot of folks--and I am sure my colleagues have, too--who are concerned that this bill is the beginning of the Federal takeover of our country's school system. I have also heard from those who support the bill, who say that this is not the intention of the bill. Experience has taught me that nothing is more attractive to the bureaucrats than the opportunity to increase regulation and control. Anyone who is involved in education can tell you how many regulations and how much paperwork they must deal with under Chapter One and the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act [IDEA]. So I do not think folks are too far off the mark when they express concern about more Federal control. Let me remind my colleagues--the education of children between kindergarten and high school is a State and local responsibility. That is only fair, considering the 94 percent of the money for schools comes from these sources. Goals 2000 will supposedly increase efforts to reform our schools. Let me say that much reform is already taking place. Goals 2000 focuses on public schools. I strongly support our public schools. My children attend them.”