Political Quotes

“I rise today to call on the people's House to put education first on our Nation's agenda. As a former two-term State superintendent in North Carolina, I know firsthand what can happen and what a difference a strong educational system can make in the lives of our people. My State has proven that bold, visionary leadership can make a difference tangibly in the lives of young people when we do the right thing. Mr. Speaker, when students, parents, teachers, and communities get involved, strong improvement is the result of what happens. Several weeks ago, the rigorous NAEP scores came out, and in our State, North Carolina, students came out near the top in this country. Mr. Speaker, as the first member of my family to graduate from college, I learned long ago the value of educational excellence. As a Congressman, I know how important education is to my constituents and to this Nation. We must provide safe healthy schools and we must do it now.”