Political Quotes

“today I would like to respond to assertions that English-only proponents are making about bilingual education in their efforts to advance their cause. Yesterday a Member came to this floor to praise Mr. Thomas Doluisio, for his fight against bilingual education. The Member went on to say that the National Association of Bilingual Education officially condemned Mr. Doluisio at their 1994 convention. This information, taken from a Wall Street Journal editorial by John Miller of the Heritage Foundation and Center for Equal Opportunity, is not accurate. The National Association of Bilingual Education has never condemned any individual officially or otherwise, including Mr. Doluisio. His story may have been discussed among bilingual educators, but this is a far cry from official condemnation by a respected national organization. I am informed that a letter was sent by the National Association of Bilingual Education refuting the Wall Street Journal article. There have been other statements made by English-only proponents that I take issue with. One of the statements continuously used by English-only advocates is that bilingual education costs the taxpayers $8-$12 billion a year. This figure is inaccurate and is an exaggeration of the costs of educating bilingual children. The $8-$12 billion is the total cost of education for children who are limited English proficient, not just students being taught in bilingual programs.”