Political Quotes

“I am deeply concerned by very partisan, political tone that is beginning to cloud deliberations over the Workforce Development/Careers Act legislation now in conference. The blame for this development cannot be placed at the doorstep of any individual or any political party. I am afraid that everyone is at fault, and that there is enough blame for everyone. I voted for the Senate bill in committee and on the floor. I did so for several reasons. It brought a sweeping reform and a consolidation of a multiplicity of existing programs that simply were not working very well. It represented a new and innovative Federal-State partnership in administering programs that are so very important to the education and training needs of our Nation. And most important to me, it contained a series of very strong vocational and adult education provisions. Unfortunately, the bill that is being developed in conference differs considerably from the one the Senate passed. The concept of a new Federal-State partnership that was a key element of the Senate bill is gone. The Senate provision that continued support for School To Work Programs appears doomed. A strong within-State formula that sends vocational education funds to those districts most in need is endangered. Equally important, the need for reform is being lost in a battle for political gain. The lines of differences are hardening, and there is an all-or-nothing attitude beginning to develop on all sides.”