They have allocated, what, $125 million over 10 years?

Mr. Chairman, if you do not mind, I would just like to say that when I was governor, in the area in Ohio where you lived, in Toledo, we were able to work an agreement that basically said that a teacher could ask for help, other teachers…

So you are on your way with that.

I think many recall the Washington Post investigative report on the infrastructure of the District schools.

The $148 million, that is money for shovel-ready improvements in the classroom and you are folding it in on top of this master plan that Mr. Lew is doing?

One of these days I would like to come out and visit a couple of your schools. I have not done that yet.

It has been an unfunded mandate and something that you can argue and say that you definitely--it is a Federal responsibility and one that we should meet.

I have a sincere interest in improving education in the District because of my belief that a world-class education is the best way to help every citizen make the best use of his or her God-given talents.

One of the areas that I am very concerned about--and, again, it gets back to my days when I was governor--is early childhood education.

I do not think many people are aware of the fact that I think you have increased your college attendance in the District by over 50 percent as a result of the program.

I have a unique appreciation for the perspectives of State and local officials as we contemplate national policy.

This bill will cost my State of Ohio and the country jobs is without dispute.