Political Quotes

“I rise in opposition to Mr. Boehner's amendment to strike ``Title I--Transition Projects'' which are currently authorized under H.R. 6, the Improving America's Schools Act. The legislation authorizes Federal assistance for comprehensive projects that provide for a smooth transition for children from preschool through the early elementary school grades. The projects target poor children, assisting them in reaching high academic standards. These transition programs are vital in continuing the social and educational successes of those children participating in Head Start, Even Start, and other quality preschool programs through the early grade levels. The fade-out effect, seen in former Head Start participants, may be alleviated through the continuation of effective services for at-risk children during the elementary school grades. Certainly, the continuation of innovative and successful preschool transition programs will prove to be a cost-effective and practical approach in the long run. If the educational and social needs of our youngest students are permitted to be neglected, the costs to society in the future through added demands on our education, justice, and social service programs will be enormous. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to defeat the Boehner amendment and support the ``Title I--Transition Program.''”