Political Quotes

“I first thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who are working so hard on this important issue of education: the chairman of the committee, Senator Jeffords, who is providing such important leadership; the ranking member, Senator Kennedy. I congratulate him and all of the Members who are so deeply involved in focusing on what I believe is the most critical issue facing us in the future, not only of our children as it relates to their opportunities to succeed but to our economy as well. We have all heard--as a member of the Senate Budget Committee, I heard time and time again in hearings--that we have an increased labor productivity that is driving this economy. The basis of that increased labor activity is an educated workforce. So the debate in front of us is critical. I rise today in anticipation of an amendment that will be introduced later that I will be cosponsoring. It relates to an important part of providing resources and keeping the Federal Government's promise that was made 25 years ago concerning funding for special education for all of our local communities. We have many educational priorities. But as I have met with the leaders and parents in communities all across Michigan, they have said to me time and time again, if you just did one thing, if you just kept your promise to fully fund your portion of special education, it would free up dollars for us to serve the other needs of children in schools. This is critical in Michigan.”