Bob Kerrey: “I rise as a cosponsor of the Daschle- Harkin amendment. This amendment adds back $3.1 billion for vital education…”

“I rise as a cosponsor of the Daschle- Harkin amendment. This amendment adds back $3.1 billion for vital education programs such as title I, Head Start, School-to-Work, and Education Technology. I have often said that children will do as we do and not as we say. If we want our children to value learning and discovery, we just value them as well and demonstrate by our actions here in the Senate that we are willing to invest in their education and their futures by providing the money necessary to ensure a quality learning experience for all our children. Recent polls show that education is a national priority among all Americans. These polls reflect what I have been hearing from Nebraskans--that Americans want their tax dollars to go to a strong education system--a system that will work for all its citizens. They are willing to spend more if they get more for their money. We must be willing to invest in education and spearhead a national commitment to achieve results in every school, rich and poor. As I examine the programs that will receive additional funding under this amendment, I am struck by the fact that these dollars will be providing opportunities for our young people to do exactly what we all as parents admonish them to do--prepare themselves to live meaningful and productive lives.…”