Newt Gingrich: “since this bill endorses a substantial increase in public spending, as you know, since this bill spends over $8,000 per…”

“since this bill endorses a substantial increase in public spending, as you know, since this bill spends over $8,000 per child in the public schools. We do not have an exact accurate figure because the school system that you represent is so badly run it cannot tell us how many children are in it. But the estimate that we have been able to find that is closest is $8,000 per child minimum, not counting the cost of retirement. Since what the gentleman from Texas is proposing is to increase, let me make this clear, because a number of people on the left cannot tell the truth anymore about public education because they cannot defend the teachers unions with honesty, the fact is this bill increases, increases spending on education in the District. So by voting ``no'' you are denying the children of this District money. Let us be clear about that. What you are proposing is to stop additional extra money. But there is something worse you are doing, and I do not for the life of me understand how you can do it.”