Darlene Hooley: “Mr. Chairman, I am extremely concerned whether this education budget is adequate. It is true that there are some program…”

“Mr. Chairman, I am extremely concerned whether this education budget is adequate. It is true that there are some program increases; but at a time of increased need and urgency, this increase is the smallest in a decade. In the end, this education budget leaves me wondering whether we are truly keeping our commitment to our children and our teachers. I know my spirits were up when just 2 months ago the President signed into law the new education bill promising to leave no child behind. I am afraid to say that we are leaving more than a few children behind. The budget we are debating today actually cuts funding for these programs by $90 million. In fact, this budget funds the No Child Left Behind Act at $4.2 billion below the authorized level. One cannot help but ask if we are keeping our promise. In fact, I fear this budget falls far short of that promise. Looking at the details, this plan cuts or freezes many elementary and secondary education programs. It cuts programs to improve teacher quality at a time when we need them the most, down by $105 million. It cuts the safe and drug-free schools program, down $102 million. By the way, these programs are working in our communities. And it freezes funding for after-school programs when we need after-school programs more than ever. However, the truth is that it did not have to be this way.”