Political Quotes

“My amendment would reinstate maintenance of effort requirements in H.R. 5. It would continue to require States to show that current year funding is at least 90 percent of the prior year amount before receiving any Federal education dollars. Maintenance of effort is intended to protect resources for schools and students in tough economic times. Removal of maintenance of effort requirements from ESEA, as contemplated in H.R. 5, would allow States to raid their education budgets to pay for other budget line items or programs. That will leave the Federal Government the primary or only funding source for schools. If the goal of H.R. 5 is to reduce Federal input for education, this does just the opposite. States should not be given free rein to reduce school funding. That approach disproportionately impacts poor communities and children. This Congress should not revert to the times of larger class sizes, poorly supported teachers, and less access to rigorous curriculum for so many of our poor, disabled, and English- learning children. The 90 percent MOE threshold in common law is a commonsense safeguard. It ensures State agencies remain invested in key education programs while still allowing States the room to respond to changing fiscal realities. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott), the ranking member.”