Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman. This rule makes it possible for us to consider today a supplemental appropriations bill that contains some vital support for public education across America. Now, most schoolchildren learn that 3 plus 3 equals 6. Last year, the schoolchildren of my State of Texas received an unfortunate lesson in State Republican math. In Texas, 3 plus 3 only equaled 3. How is that? Well, last year, Texas received more than $3 billion in State Stabilization, economic recovery, or stimulus funds designated for our local school districts, for our schoolchildren. But by exploiting ambiguous language, for every dime of Federal support in State Stabilization moneys that went to Texas, the State took away money that it had already committed for the same purpose. So instead of a historic boost in local school support, our schoolchildren were left no better off than if we had not passed the Economic Recovery Act with these provisions at all. The $3 billion more made no difference for our local schools. Congressional support for our local school districts reflects a two- fold understanding. First, that our local districts know best what the needs of their students and their teachers and administrators are. Second, that especially in times of a difficult economy, we need to invest in public education. A solid education is the foundation on which our economy and our democracy rests. Now, our Texas Republican leadership disagreed with both those propositions.…”