Tom Harkin: “the Sixth National Education Goal states that by the year 2000 every school in the United States will be free of drugs…”

“the Sixth National Education Goal states that by the year 2000 every school in the United States will be free of drugs and violence and will offer a disciplined environment conducive to learning. The Safe Schools Act will provide funds to local education agencies to reduce violence in schools and make this important goal a reality. I rise to offer my strong support for this legislation. The Appropriations Subcommittee I chair provided $20 million in funds for this program for fiscal year 1994. However, expenditure of those funds is contingent on this authorization. There has been a rash of violence by youth sweeping our Nation and no community or school is immune. In my home State of Iowa, juvenile crime is on the rise and many people are frightened. This is a crisis and we must take immediate action to deal with this serious problem. Many of us have difficulty understanding what is happening. I am shocked every time I hear about a young person settling an argument with a weapon.”