Bill Archer: “Mr. Speaker, the education of our children is one of the most important issues that our Nation faces. Part of our…”

“Mr. Speaker, the education of our children is one of the most important issues that our Nation faces. Part of our educational system is outstanding; it is competitive with the world, if not better than the rest of the world. But there are other parts of our educational system that are falling behind. Every day our moral and social fabric is strengthened when our children receive strong educations. As children learn and grow, we as a Nation are enriched. Unfortunately, the state of education in America today is not as good in some areas as it should be, and it is time to give our schools and our teachers and our children a helping hand. The House and the Senate have both passed strong measures to enhance the education of children. Now we must meet in conference, reconcile the differences between our bills, and send our plan to the President. The House education plan is the best thing to happen to education in years. It is good for the public schools; it is good for private schools; it is good for parochial schools. And it is good for those parents who are more and more educating their children in their own homes. But most importantly, it is good for students everywhere; and that is good for America's future. Our plan creates educational savings accounts that allow parents and children to deposit up to $2,500 a year into these vehicles for better learning.”