David Thomas: “I am excited that we are launching ourselves into what may be a week or more of debate and discussion and, hopefully…”

“I am excited that we are launching ourselves into what may be a week or more of debate and discussion and, hopefully, success in the area of education and educational funding. Looking back over time, I think there is probably no other issue we have talked more about than education. I think polls and discussions in town meetings would indicate that education is probably the highest priority issue in the country. Everybody knows the future of our children--and of the country--depends on education. We will be talking about that during debate of this bill, and I hope we can agree on some positive results. Unfortunately, I think it is fair to say that when we enter into a year of this kind, particularly with the Presidential election, we find ourselves faced with more emphasis on creating issues than creating solutions. I hope that is not the case during this education debate. I am sure there is nothing to which we have more commitment or in which we have more intense beliefs than our schools--by ``we'' I mean all of us: Parents, communities, people all over the country. We are all involved in educating our children. It is a most important part of our lives. This weekend, I met with the alumni association of the University of Wyoming. It caused me to reflect on the things that were basic to my life and reminded me of changes that need to be made. I think most of us are proud of our schools. I am especially proud of the schools in my State of Wyoming.”