Benjamin Gilman: “Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to Representative Boehner's amendment to H.R. 6, Improving America's Schools…”

“Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to Representative Boehner's amendment to H.R. 6, Improving America's Schools Act of 1994. The Boehner amendment would eliminate funding for the innovative elementary school transitional projects. The elementary school transitional projects are extremely important in helping children from low-income families who were part of a Head Start, Even Start, or a similar preschool program make a smooth transition to kindergarten and the early elementary grades. Let us bear in mind that more than $20 billion is being spent on Head Start and Even Start. The innovative elementary school transitional projects ensure that investment and its effectiveness. Mr. Chairman, many gains have been made for children enrolled in Head Start and Even Start, but studies have shown that if we don't follow through with these children they fall behind. That is why the innovative elementary school transitional program is so essential. I have introduced an amendment to this bill which would allow the use of mentors who are high school or college students trained to provide tutoring to elementary and secondary students formerly enrolled in Head Start or Even Start programs. Mentoring is just one example of the different types of transitional projects that can be initiated under this program. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to oppose the Boehner amendment.”